Don Brewery (Lager Building), southeast elevation, 2004
Photo: Ministry of Culture, 2004
- Built
- 1876–1877
- Recognized
- 1996
- By
- Local government
The register’s text, word for word
Description
The 3-storey, brick, Lager Brewery building of the former Don Brewery in Toronto was built in 1876-1877 and is recognized for its heritage value by City of Toronto Bylaw 1966-0255.
Heritage value
The Lager building of the former Don Brewery complex has heritage value as likely the oldest remaining brewery structure in Toronto. It also has value in its association with a prominent 19th century Toronto family, the Davies.
Thomas Davies leased the Don Brewery in 1848 from William and Robert Parks and operated it with his son, Thomas, Jr. Thomas died in 1869, and Thomas, Jr., was joined by his brother Robert in 1871. Robert founded the Dominion Brewery in 1878. Thomas, Jr.,was also a member of Toronto City Council.
The 3-storey, red and buff coloured brick, Lager building was erected in 1876-1877 to the designs of Toronto architects Smith and Gemmell. It was positioned at the rear of the lot, south of the main brewery building, to draw water from the Don River for its brewing and malting business. It was enlarged about 1880 by a west wing. Source: City of Toronto Bylaw 1996-0255 and accompanying research report.
Character‑defining elements
The heritage value is contained in those elements that relate to its construction as a 19th century industrial structure including:
- round-headed window openings
- red and buff brickwork with detailing including pilasters rising to cornice level, and corbelling
- relationship to the Don River and other elements of the setting that may relate to the brewery function
End of the register’s text
Location
19R River Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5A, Canada
43.65784° N, 79.35696° W
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Nearby
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Bank of Upper Canada Building National Historic Site of Canada1.3 km · 1827
St. Lawrence Hall National Historic Site of Canada1.5 km · 1850
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From the Canadian Register of Historic Places, as last updated on December 12, 2025. The register’s text is shown word for word.