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Gooderham Building: Toronto's Iconic Flatiron

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Toronto's iconic Flatiron Building, a historic landmark with unique architecture and a stunning mural, located in the heart of the St. Lawrence Market District.

The Gooderham Building, also known as the Flatiron Building, is a historic landmark in Toronto, Canada. Completed in 1892, its unique wedge shape and stunning trompe-l'œil mural make it one of the city's most photographed and beloved structures.

A brief summary to Gooderham Building

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photographs.
  • Explore the nearby St. Lawrence Market for a taste of local cuisine.
  • Take a stroll through Berczy Park, located behind the building, to enjoy the whimsical dog fountain.
  • Check out the surrounding area for other historical sites, making it a perfect walking tour.
  • Admire the building from different angles to fully appreciate its unique shape and the trompe-l'œil mural.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you are in the downtown area, walking to the Gooderham Building is a great option. From the St. Lawrence Market, head northwest on Front St E towards Church St, then turn right onto Church St. Walk north until you reach Wellington St E. Turn left and walk until you see the Gooderham Building at 49 Wellington St E. This walk will take approximately 15-20 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    Take the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) subway. Board the subway at any station and travel on Line 1 (Yonge-University) towards Union Station. Alternatively, you can take the 504 King streetcar from various points in the city. Board the streetcar heading eastbound towards Broadview Station. Get off at the stop at Church St and walk south to Wellington St E. A single fare on the TTC is approximately $3.25 CAD.

  • Driving

    If you're driving, head towards downtown Toronto. From the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW), merge onto Gardiner Expressway. Take the exit toward York St and follow signs for the Financial District. Once on York St, turn left onto Wellington St E. The Gooderham Building will be on your right at 49 Wellington St E. There is street parking available, with costs between $2 to $4 CAD per hour. Several parking garages are also located nearby.

Discover more about Gooderham Building

Located at 49 Wellington Street East in Toronto's St. Lawrence Market District, the Gooderham Building stands as a testament to the city's rich architectural heritage. Completed in 1892, this red-brick edifice is an early example of a prominent flatiron building, predating New York City's more famous Flatiron Building by a decade. Its unique triangular shape is a result of the intersection of Wellington and Front Streets.The building was commissioned by George Gooderham, son of William Gooderham, the founder of the Gooderham and Worts Distillery. It served as the distillery's office until 1952 and was sold by the Gooderham family in 1957. The building's exterior showcases Romanesque and Gothic Revival architectural styles, featuring arched windows, intricate cornices, and a copper roof. The east end is crowned by a prominent tower, which once served as George Gooderham's personal office.One of the building's most famous features is the trompe-l'œil mural on its west wall, created in 1980 by Canadian artist Derek Besant. The mural creates the illusion of the building's edges fluttering away, revealing the Perkins Building across the street. The Gooderham Building has been designated a historic site under the Ontario Heritage Act since 1975. Today, the Gooderham Building remains a beloved symbol of Toronto, representing a pivotal moment in the city's development and its growing prosperity in the late 19th century.

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