Distillery District – Toronto

“An example of my positive experience of quality in built environment is the Distillery District in Toronto. It is a commercial and residential district that contains cafes, restaurants and shops housed with heritage buildings. Easily accessible by transit, Distillery district is a fun gathering place for people across Toronto to socialize and explore. Distillery district is a place of congregation for different cultural and social events. Personally, a positive experience is when you feel welcomed in a gathering space. Distillery district celebrates different cultures and people with the portrayal of installations and lightings. The space is modified to accommodate for various events, and it is a different experience every time. This place attracts people of varying age groups with the commercial uses in the district. This gathering hub is hugely appreciated because of its history and the portrayal of the Victorian-Era Architecture. Historically, the district was a large Canadian distillery that it presently gets its name from. The Distillery was closed in 1990 and the economic recession of early 1990s delayed the efforts to revitalize the district.

The district was reopened in 2003 and now it is occupied with local boutiques, restaurants, cafes, and microbreweries that give a unique character and sense of belonging to the users. The Distillery District was designated as a National Historic Site. My favourite part of the experience is the “feel” of the place. Mixing the old with the new. It was a fantastic job done to seamlessly collaborate the new installations and lights with the older building façades and character. That is, what I believe to be the main attraction of this place. I visited this place during different times of the year, and it was a different experience every time.” (Booklet Positive Lived Experiences of Quality in the Built Environment 2023, p.219).

Google map link: https://goo.gl/maps/QtESfTis7gpQYFAN8