Canada Life Building
Canada Life Building: A Beaux-Arts Beacon
The Half House: Toronto's Architectural Fragment
Discover Toronto's Half House: A unique architectural gem with a story of perseverance in the heart of Old Toronto. A must-see for architecture buffs!
The Half House is a quirky architectural landmark in downtown Toronto. This Victorian row house, appearing as if sliced in two, stands as a reminder of urban development and one family's refusal to sell their home.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Half House
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
54 St Patrick St, Toronto, Old Toronto, Ontario, M5T 1V1, CA
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Getting There
Walking
If you are near Queen Street West and University Avenue, walk north on University Avenue until you reach Dundas Street. Turn left onto Dundas Street and walk west until you reach St. Patrick Street. Turn left onto St. Patrick Street, and walk for about 5 minutes. The Half House will be on your right at 54 St Patrick St.
Public Transport
From Union Station, take the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) subway Line 1 (Yonge-University) northbound. Get off at St. Patrick Station. Head north on University Avenue for one block, then turn right onto Dundas Street West. Walk east for two blocks until you reach St. Patrick Street. Turn left on St. Patrick Street and walk for about 5 minutes. Half House will be on your right. A single adult fare on the TTC is CAD 3.35.
Streetcar
If you are near Queen Street, catch the 501 Queen streetcar heading west. Ride until you reach the intersection of Queen St W and University Ave. Transfer to the 505 Dundas streetcar heading east. Get off at the St. Patrick St stop. From there, walk north on St. Patrick Street for about 5 minutes. Half House will be on your left at 54 St Patrick St. A streetcar fare is CAD 3.35.
Parking
Several parking options are available in the area. Green P parking is available at Carpark 001, with rates starting at CAD 4.50 per half hour. Day maximum rates (7am-6pm) are CAD 19.00, and night maximum rates (6pm-7am) are CAD 8.00. Weekend day maximum is CAD 11.00. Alternatively, parking is available at the University of Toronto's Graduate House at 17 Glen Morris St, with a daily maximum of CAD 18. Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) also offers parking at 288 Church St. Garage (DCC), with rates available per half hour.
Local tips
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Take a stroll around the neighborhood to appreciate the contrasting architectural styles that surround the Half House.
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Visit during daylight hours for the best lighting to photograph the unique half-structure.
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Combine your visit with a stop at nearby cafes and shops in Old Toronto.
Discover more about Half House
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.
A brief summary to Half House
Use Half House as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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