Item - 2011.TE9.93

The Toronto and East York Community Council requested the Acting Director, Policy and Research, City Planning Division, to consider listing and designating as Heritage Properties 484 Spadina Avenue (The Waverly Hotel) and 486 Spadina Avenue (The Silver Dollar Room).

I am writing to formally request that 484 and 486 Spadina Avenue be considered for listing and designation as Heritage properties. Originally home to Robert Milligan’s market garden, by the 1870s four small cottages were located on this site.  In 1881, the cottages were demolished and replaced by the local YMCA.

 
The Waverly Hotel is currently located at 484 Spadina Avenue on the northwest corner of Spadina Avenue and College Street in Ward 20. It is my understanding that the white four-storey hotel, was built by J.J. Powell, opened in 1900, and has been in continuous operation since that time.  The building was enlarged in 1925, and by the late 1920s, it housed the Toronto Tourist and Convention Association.

From 1970 to 1977, the Waverley Hotel was home to poet Milton Acorn, several of whose works depict life in the neighbourhood.

 
Immediately adjacent to the Waverly Hotel, at 486 Spadina Avenue, is The Silver Dollar which opened in 1950s as the cocktail lounge of the Waverly Hotel.  Since 1958, the Silver Dollar has been a renowned venue for live rock, bluegrass, jazz and blues.