Living In The Distillery District

In the late 1860s, The Distillery District was home to the Gooderham and Worsts Distillery which at the time was one of the largest Distillers in North America. By 1990 all distilling operations had ceased, leaving a huge redevelopment opportunity with the existing industrial buildings which had years earlier been designated as a national historic site.

By 2003 the area had been redeveloped as a pedestrian-only district that restricted restaurant chains from operating within its boundary adding to its unique industrial charm. The majority of the historic brick industrial buildings are occupied with boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, jewellery stores, cafés, and coffeehouses, as well as the Mill Street Brewery.

The upper floors of a number of buildings have been leased to artists as studio spaces and to office tenants with a “creative focus”. A new theatre, the Young Centre for the Performing Arts, has opened on the site and serves as the home of the Soulpepper Theatre Company and the drama productions of nearby George Brown College.

There are plans to develop residential condominiums, offices, and more retail space on the vacant lands that surround the district. Don’t miss the Christmas Market in December that draws thousands of people to see Santa, ride on the Ferris wheel and taste holiday food from a variety of vendors.

Walk Score: 91
Transit Score: 93
Bike Score: 60

Real Estate In The Distillery District

Six distinct residential condominiums provide the backdrop to this neighbourhood. Named Pure Spirits, Clear Spirit and Gooderham, the residences pay homage to the area’s iconic history. Mainly steel and glass builds, these condo communities are ultra modern.