The University

The remote location occupied by the early survey lots of York (Toronto) was eventually favoured as a perfect location for a university campus. In the late 1820s, sections of several lots were acquired as a site for the University of King’s College. Along with the campus site, plans for a grand building were prepared. To be built upon the height of the rise at the site, its grandeur was sure to bring attention and instil awe in all who were called up the tree-lined avenue to the school. This was not to be the case. It took another 15 years before a portion of the original design was completed and even then, construction had only taken place on the east side of the site, not at the centre as planned. Soon after, the original vision for this site was abandoned altogether. Given a new name, the University of Toronto moved a little further west into a new building several years later.