Birkbeck Building facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Birkbeck Building |
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| General information | |
| Type | Office building |
| Architectural style | Edwardian Baroque |
| Location | 8-10 Adelaide Street East, Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Completed | 1910 |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | 4 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | George W. Gouinlock |
| Designated: | 1986/06/16 |
| Designated: | 1976 |
The Birkbeck Building is a four-story office building in downtown Toronto, Ontario. It is a very special place! It's known as a National Historic Site of Canada. This means it's an important part of Canada's history. The building is also protected by the Ontario Heritage Act since 1976. This law helps keep old buildings safe and preserved.
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History of the Birkbeck Building
The Birkbeck Building was built between 1908 and 1910. It was originally made for a company called the Canadian Birkbeck Investment and Savings Company. This company helped people save and invest their money.
Why is it a Historic Site?
In 1986, the building was officially named a National Historic Site. It's special because it mixes old styles with new building ideas from its time. The building shows how architecture was changing in the early 1900s.
The Ontario Heritage Trust helped restore the building in 1987. They even used it for their own offices! The building was designed by an architect named George W. Gouinlock.
Cool Features Inside
The Birkbeck Building has some amazing features. When you step inside, you'll find an impressive lobby made of marble. It also has an old-fashioned elevator that is operated by hand!
The building's style is called "Beaux-Arts architecture." This style often includes grand designs and fancy details.
Special Rooms
The building has a special area called "The Gallery." It has its own entrance from the street. This space features very high ceilings and a second-story mezzanine. There's also an elegant staircase.
Another cool spot is "The Birkbeck Room" on the second floor. It has original windows with oak trim. This room also has its own small entrance area and a cloakroom. You can even get to the "Oval Boardroom" from here.
