George W. Gouinlock spearheaded the timeless look of the Horticulture Building – having since been designated as a heritage facility. Built in 1907 for the annual Canadian National Exhibition – Canada’s leading industrial, manufacturing, and agricultural fair to this day – the building and grounds are easily recognizable for its 60-foot-high crystal dome, symmetrical E-shaped footprint, red-brick exterior, white stone decorative detailing, and pristine landscaped spaces at the front and rear.
The venue formed the focal point of a classic Beaux-Arts Baroque complex of five pavilions erected between 1902 and 1912, following the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition of Chicago.
After decades of having drawn crowds across communities and generations, the facility fell into a state of disrepair.
Leading up to 2005, a group of community leaders came together with a vision to revitalize the aging site to capture the essence of Toronto’s classical charm with a post-modern twist. The partnership with Exhibition Place and the City of Toronto paved the way towards an ultimately well-earned reputation for elegance, opulence, and service excellence.
