Our Story

Art90Ontario came together in mid-2018 to celebrate our vibrant community and the work we have developed during our many years at 90 Ontario Street.

Nestled in the heart of Toronto's Corktown district, the Newell Building has a fascinating history.

It was built in 1911 in the Edwardian Classicism style by architects William Symons and William Rae, best known for their work on signature WWI-era projects, such as the Royal Ontario Museum, the Anglican Diocese of Toronto, and military hospitals and industrial buildings across Canada.

It has since served as a paper facility and a shoe factory, among other things, including its current 56 live/work loft spaces.

In 2016, as part of a major retail and residential redevelopment plan, the City of Toronto evaluated the merit of the Newell Building as a heritage property.

Unfortunately, the building did not meet the test of having a high degree of craftsmanship, artistic merit, or scientific or technical achievement.

As with many of Toronto's redevelopments, this one will displace many residents, including our group members and other creative professionals who have made the Newell Building and surrounding Corktown their home for decades.