Everything You Need To Know About King Street West Toronto | Toronto Condo Team

King Street in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is a major east-west business route. It was among the first roads built in 1793 during the settlement of York, renamed Toronto in 1834. The street became the principal commercial route of York and ancient Toronto after the erection of Market Square in 1803 at King and Jarvis avenues to host the first St. Lawrence Market farm shop. 

Unfortunately, the ancient foundation was burned in the Great Fire of Toronto in 1849, although it was restored later. The initial roadway ran from George Street to Berkeley Street, and by 1901 it expanded to its current endpoint (with and without Queensway) at Roncesvalles Avenue in the west and the Don River in the east.

Location

King Street's western endpoint is The Queensway, Roncesvalles Avenue to the north, and Queen Street West to the east. The street curves south-east briefly before curving to the east until just west of Parliament Street. It angles northeast until its eastern endpoint, merging with Queen Street East.

Living on King Street Toronto

Toronto's King Street is divided into King Street West and King Street East by Yonge Street, the north-south separator of several Toronto east-west routes.

King Street West is a formal industrial area of Toronto that has become one of the hottest spots for nightlife in the city. You'll find high-end boutiques and studios between King Street restaurants and rooftop patios. It is known worldwide for its unique street art, architecture, shopping and multicultural eateries.

The Canadian Walk of Fame extends along King Street from John Street to Simcoe and south of Simcoe. It is a stone monument commemorating famous Canadians in the entertainment world, poetry, media, dancing, athletics, performing, amusement, and television. Some of the most notable names include Margaret Atwood, Michael Bublé, Jim Carey and Céline Dion. 

This neighbourhood, which was formerly agricultural, has undergone substantial urban development since the early 2000s. Today, King Street West is noted for its stylish eateries, designer stores, and luxury condo buildings and is renowned as Toronto's Garment District. In addition, with hundreds of retailers on King Street and in the adjacent area, King Street East is recognized as central Toronto's elevated luxury furnishings sector.

Transportation on King Street Toronto

Before October 2018, 2 distinct Toronto Transit Corporation streetcars serviced King Street across its total duration: the 504B King and the 504A King, which, combined, make the most extensive trolley services in the network, with a current average attendance of 65,000 commuters. These streetcar routes interconnect to the Yonge–University subway line at University Avenue's St. Andrew platform and Yonge Street's King stop. These streetcars link to the Bloor-Danforth subway lines at Dundas West and Broadview stations.

History of King Street Toronto

In 1793, King Street was the original name of Front Street from George Street E to Parliament Street. This changed when York expanded to the west in 1797. Duke Street was transformed to King Street, and the former was designated Palace Street. 

Moreover, the future King Street was stretched to York Street on the west. Further, King Street was expanded westward to Peter Street in 1798. Finally, it was extended west to Garrison Creek as part of Toronto's westward expansion in 1837.

By this era, King Street had established itself as Toronto's main operating east-west thoroughfare, with St. Lawrence Marketplace at the junction of King and Lower Jarvis and a business core spreading surrounding the Marketplace. However, unfortunately, most of the commercial core at King and Jarvis was damaged in the Great Fire of 1849. As a result, new business structures have been constructed. But, by 1901, King Street West had been completed to the junction of Roncesvalles and Queen Streets, where it now stands.

King Street West has become a hotspot for trendy Toronto bars, restaurants and clubs. From stylish eateries, boutiques, clubs and exhibitions in the neighbourhood, such as the Navarro Gallery, Olde Yorke Pub and Grill, Lux, Thuet Cuisine, Senses Bar and Restaurant, Susur, Brant House, Cobra, and others. King Street's main attractions include the historic King Edward Hotel, St. Lawrence Market, Meridian Hall, Roy Thomson Hall, Hockey Hall of Fame, the Distillery District, Scotiabank Arena, and the Rogers Centre (previously SkyDome).

King Street Toronto Landmarks

King Street Toronto is home to several famous landmarks, such as:

• The Royal Alexandra Theatre - leased by theatre greats Ed and David Mirvish
• The Princess of Wales Theatre - purchased by theatre giant Ed and David Mirvish
• Roy Thomson Hall - controlled by theatre giant Ed and David Mirvish

This area of Toronto is also home to many converted warehouses which are home to office buildings: 

• Spin Master's headquarters buildings
• Commerce Court, including the historic Commerce Court North
• Scotia Plaza
• First Canadian Place
• The Toronto-Dominion Centre
• The Toronto Stock Exchange

On King Street, you can find many notable structures:

• Toronto Sun Building
• King Edward Hotel
• St. James' Cathedral (Anglican Church)
• St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church

Notable Areas Along King Street

• Corktown at King and Cherry Street
• The Entertainment District at King and John Street
• Fashion and Design District at Spadina Avenue and King Street
• Parkdale at King Street and Jameson Avenue 
• The Financial District at King and Bay Street
• Liberty Village at King and Dufferin Street
• Roncesvalles at King at Queen Street
• Old Town at Sherbourne and King Street
• St. Lawrence near King and Lower Jarvis
• Trinity Niagara at King Street and Strachan Avenue

King Street West Condos in Toronto

The King West area has become the city's prime Entertainment Complex, hosting the most fantastic restaurants and historic theatres, thanks to astounding King West condos. 

Today, King West is a bustling mix of high-end modern high-rise condominiums, historic crown mouldings, and boutique lofts, with the most coveted King West Condos at 650 King Street West, 55 Stewart Street, 75 Portland Street, and many other locations.

VIP Forma Condos

Grand Gulf, Dream, and Westdale Properties have announced the launch of a revolutionary condominium project in the centre of King West in Toronto. The Forma Condos will benefit a new visual and virtual dimension to the city's premier cultural sectors. 

This planned community, created by world-renowned designer Frank Gehry, will be unlike anything Toronto has ever experienced. Early designs show a bustling area with two buildings towering 84 and 73 stories, respectively, making this Frank Gehry's tallest housing building.

Standing in the Entertainment and Financial Districts in Toronto, VIP Forma Condos will be the tallest residential towers in the city. With breathtaking views, modern bespoke suite finishes and world-class amenities and services, these King Street condos complement the culture and heritage of the surrounding neighbourhood. 

Big King Toronto Condos

BIG King Toronto Condos is a new condo development located at Spadina Avenue and King Street West in Downtown Toronto. This new project will be located at 489 to 539 King Street West in Toronto.

With King Street West, they hope to explore some of Safdie's unique notions, rather than a romantic attempt on an outpost and have it snuggled inside the metropolis as an alternative to the tower and platform you commonly see in Toronto.

These King Street Condos will integrate a residential community onsite with the existing heritage properties. With a modular design and lush greenery incorporated throughout, the BIG King Toronto Condos bring forth a new way we're looking at developments and how they are incorporated into the existing cityscape.

The Well Condos

Tridel's, The Well, is one of Toronto's most eagerly awaited condo complexes at Front Street and Spadina Avenue. This community is a lively, trendy, and active neighbourhood, home to many young professionals. The Well will represent this way of life with a mix of residential and commercial spaces such as stores, cafes, office units and more. At Front and Spadina, in the middle of downtown.

The Well Condos refers to itself as a 1.4 billion dollar blended maestro complex in Toronto's Garment District. This massive renovation of the Globe & Mail tower at Front St. and Spadina Ave. is part of a proposal to transform the Spadina/Wellington district into offices, stores, and homes.

Hariri Pontarini, an engineering company, will develop this construction meticulously to guarantee society's continuity and connectedness. Except for the 36-story tower, all structures will include physical shops on the first two levels, with a manufactured red brick façade.

This project has small streets and neighbouring fields that undergo manicuring to excellence, not only because of the well-planned houses within the neighbourhood but also because of the well-planned constructions within the society.

King West Parc Lofts Condo

Parc Lofts situated on 25 Stafford Street just south of King West overlooking Stanley Park, is a unique new project designed by Peter Clews and developed by Lamb Development Corp. This 10-storey building offers 94 units of larger size than any other condo in Downtown Toronto.

The open design, 10 ft exposed structural walls, and hardwood flooring characterizes these condos, with appliances such as stainless steel refrigerator, stove and oven, dishwasher, and washer and dryer in the bathroom. The midday light shines brightly from the west.

Best King Street Restaurants

Mexicana Wilbur

Wilbur is one of the favourite places in Toronto for tacos and refreshing drinks.

WVRST

WVRST is a beer garden that specializes in German-style meats and microbrews. You can select from various meats, including traditional meats, wild meats, and even vegetarian meat, out Beyond Meat. Their Duck Fat Fries are well-known and deserving of your attention.

Libretto Pizzeria

Pizzeria Libretto in Toronto delivers authentic Neapolitan pizza, and their NEO-NY Genoa Salami with cottage chilli oil is a chef's love.

Chubby's Jamaican Kitchen

The King & Portland junction in the King West neighbourhood is home to many beautiful restaurants and bars, including Chubby's Jamaican Kitchen!

Nestled in a renovated circa-1890 row home, Chubby's serves great Caribbean dishes in a bright, lovely resort-like atmosphere. Saltfish Fritters, Jerk Chicken, and Oxtail Stew are some of the delectable Caribbean dining options.

Lee Restaurant

Indulge your sense of taste with a spectacular dinner prepared by Chef Susur Lee, with a menu inspired by the refreshing flavours and spices of South East Asia.

Lavelle 

Lavelle is a King Street West venue sitting 16 stories above the city. The luxurious space features a picture-perfect lounge bar, dining room, outdoor pool and patio.

Whether you're seeking a night of dancing or great eating, King Street West is the #1 destination in Toronto. 

At Toronto Condo Team, we know that buying a Toronto condo can be an overwhelming and daunting process. That's why our condo real-estate agents aim to provide friendly advice and guidance throughout this experience. We are located in the heart of Toronto and have access to an exclusive range of King Street condos for sale. 

Contact Toronto Condo Team today to get started or learn more about the benefits of living in a condo in Toronto. We'll have you settled in no time!