The history of the iconic Flatiron Building in Toronto

The Flatiron Building, also known as the Gooderham Building, is something most Torontonians have seen or snapped a photo of. The picturesque structure sits right downtown, near the St Lawrence Market area of the city.

While it is beautiful to look at, have you ever been curious about its history and where it came from? We have the answers.

According to the City of Toronto Archives, the wedge-shaped building at the intersection of Wellington and Front streets was built in 1891 and designed by architect David Roberts.

The building was put up to house offices belonging to the Gooderham family, who grew wealthy while working in the distilling and banking industries.

It was nicknamed the “Flatiron Building” for its resemblance to an old-fashioned clothes-iron. The building’s triangular shape results from the meeting of Wellington Street with Front Street and the diagonal route that followed the waterfront at the time.

The Canadian Encyclopedia states that many people assume that the Gooderham Building is a copy of the better-known and larger Flatiron Building in New York City, but the New York City building actually didn’t come for another 11 years, in 1902.

Today, the Gooderham Building is considered a designated Heritage property and is still used for office space, complete with a pub in the basement called The Flatiron, which makes total sense.

Did you learn something new, Toronto?

The Gooderham Building

Where: 49 Wellington St. E.

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