Fort York Armoury

Its very good aesthetic design and excellent functional design, for example:

• the massing dominated by the two-storey vaulted parabolic roof of the drill hall, that is surrounded by two-storey flat-roofed ancillary blocks;
• the clarity of expression of the massing and footprint, which reflects internal functions;
• the simple roof profile of the two-storey ancillary blocks, including the prominent chimneys and the elaborate carved shields projecting above the parapets, which reinforce the symmetrical composition;
• the simple, flat, linear moulding details of the facades and the simplified Edwardian Baroque detailing which is concentrated at the frontispiece on the main façade and includes the carved stone heraldic shields at the building corners;
• the smooth, red brick, load bearing exterior walls with extensive quoining, the ashlar treatment of the base and the smooth and carved stone details;
• the asphalt shingle finish of the drill hall roof;
• the multi-paned wood sash windows and the large multi-paned steel windows which allow interior day lighting to the spacious volume of the drill hall;
• the spartan interior finishes and the balcony design found in the drill hall;
• the large, open drill hall with exposed concrete and extensive glazing.

The manner in which the Fort York Armoury is compatible with the present character of its industrial setting in Toronto and is a well-known landmark within the community, as evidenced by:

• its scale, high standards of construction and materials which are compatible with its surrounding large industrial and exhibition buildings;
• its local familiarity owing to its large scale.