Half House Travel Guide

Nestled in the heart of Old Toronto, the Half House is a unique testament to the city's architectural diversity. Located on St. Patrick Street, near the intersection of Queen St. West and University Ave, this peculiar structure captures the attention of passersby with its distinct half-structure.Originally constructed in the late 19th century, between 1890 and 1893, the Half House was once part of a row of six identical, structurally intertwined Victorian bay-and-gable homes. The street, then known as Dummer Street, was home to working-class residents. As the city developed, property developers began acquiring land in the area, intending to demolish the existing houses. One by one, the owners sold their properties, but the Valkos family, who owned 54 ½ St. Patrick, refused.As a result, the surrounding buildings were torn down, leaving the Valkos' home standing alone, disconnected from its neighbors. The demolition process was a delicate operation, as the neighboring walls were load-bearing. A miscalculation could have resulted in the collapse of the Half House. In the mid-1970s, The Village by the Grange Housing Project was built next to the Half House, creating an even more striking contrast.The Half House remains a symbol of perseverance and a reminder of Toronto's past. It's a popular spot for photographs and a point of interest for architecture enthusiasts. Today, the building is privately owned.