Casa Loma

In 2014, the Toronto landmark known to all as Casa Loma, celebrated its 100th birthday. For its 100 years of existence, this early 20th century gothic-revival gem has served quite the array of purposes, including: an individual residence, a luxury hotel, a secret military centre of innovation, a historic tourist attraction and luxury event space. 

The building’s origin dates back to the beginning of its construction in 1911. With a team of 299 workers and a budget of $3.5 million, Casa Loma would be completed in 1914. With 98 rooms covering 64,700 square feet, it stood as Canada’s largest residence. One may ask: “who would build such an extravagant home right before the brink of the First World War?” Sir Henry Pellatt, one of Canada’s richest financiers brought the project to life with the fortune he made through investments in the railway and hydro-electic industries in Canada. Pellatt famously brought hydro-electricity to the city of Toronto.

With the brief financial depression following the First World War, an effort was made by the Municipal government to increase property taxes throughout Ontario. Casa Loma’s property taxes famously jumped from $600 a year to $1000 a month. This financial burden would force Pellatt to see the property. 

For off and on periods of its life, Casa Loma would serve as the location of extravagant festivities. As we delve deeper into the 21st century, it continues to project its image as a symbol of Toronto’s prosperity and wealth.