John McKenzie House
History of John McKenzie House
Oldest known photo of John McKenzie House, taken circa 1919.
The John McKenzie House, a three-storey brick structure, located north of Sheppard Avenue, just east of Yonge Street, has a long and rich history. It was constructed in 1913 as the second Willowdale home of a pioneer family. The house is located on lot 18, concession 1, East Yonge Street, on property deeded to Jacob Cummer in 1801. In 1884, a portion of the original property was sold to Philip McKenzie (John’s father) who was an English immigrant trained as a carpenter and casket maker.
Philip and his wife, Sarah Thompson, of Whitchurch Township, moved originally into the old Cummer farmhouse, a one and one-half storey brick Georgian style dwelling. This house, built about 1840, was located between Parkview and Norton Avenues and faced west to Yonge Street.
When Philip McKenzie died, John ran the farm and specialized in Holstein cattle until the local economy for farmers began to deteriorate. John then decided to subdivide the farm, and in 1912, registered the “Empress Subdivision” that was to become the heart of modern east Willowdale as the area was transformed from a rural village to a suburban community.
In 1913, John and his wife, Eva, chose a large lot on the rise of land just east of Yonge Street on Parkview Avenue as the site for their new home. From their farm, they retained the 1907 brick milk house, and built a stable in 1915 and a coach house in 1918. The OHS has restored all four buildings and the interior of the coach house has been renovated for adaptive use as a community program and exhibit area.
Built in a style which has been described as Queen Anne Revival, Arts and Crafts, and Edwardian, this red brick house contains 12 rooms and 3 bathrooms. The front of the house is profiled by a grand L-shaped, wrap-around verandah with stylized Doric columns. A large attached coach house was converted to accommodate automobiles and has a recreation room above, which is now the OHS reference library.
Significant interior features include the centre hall plan, a vestibule door and sidelights with bevelled leaded glass, a large leaded art glass window which lights the landing of the main staircase, two sunrooms, panelled doors and wainscotting, strip hardwood flooring and radiators.
The Ontario Historical Society is committed to restoring and maintaining this property, and has a long term partnership with the City of Toronto – the house, milk house, stable and coach house have been designated under the Ontario Heritage Act for their provincially significant historical and architectural features.
Adjacent to the John McKenzie House is the volunteer-run communal organic market garden. Learn more about the Parkview Neighbourhood Garden.
John McKenzie House and Parkview Neighbourhood Garden. Image courtesy Shen Liu.
2013 marked the 100th Anniversary of the construction of John McKenzie House! The OHS published a special edition of the OHS Bulletin, featuring new and re-published content about the restoration of the house:
Timeline and Designation of John McKenzie House
Construction of house completed; milk house (1907), stable (1915) and coach house (1918).
McKenzie family sells house.
House last used as a private residence.
Site designated under Ontario Heritage Act:Â view 1992 designation.
25-year lease signed with City of Toronto.
OHS gains stewardship of the property, begins restoration project.
OHS moves office headquarters into house.
Restoration fundraiser reaches its $485,000 goal.
Inaugural planting day for Parkview Neighbourhood Garden (PNG).
City of Toronto amends heritage designation to include PNG and Parkette:Â view 2012 amendment.
Heritage conservation easement signed between Ontario Heritage Trust and City of Toronto.
Slate Roof Restoration Project is completed: The exterior of the John McKenzie House was restored to its original state (using unfading black slate) ensuring the protection of the house from the elements into the next century.
Restoration of the John McKenzie House Limestone Steps is completed.
Walkway and driveway at John McKenzie House are restored and repaved.
North veranda (backyard deck) repaired and refinished.
Heritage Conservation Easement Plaque is installed at John McKenize House.
Restoration Projects
With the slate roof complete and the house guarded from the elements, The Ontario Historical Society’s built-heritage management staff have turned their attention to other restoration projects.
In late September, 2016, the OHS contracted Roof Tile Management to begin restoration work on the front steps, composed of eleven solid limestone blocks. Although the limestone steps have not been worked on since their installation in 1913, they remain in excellent condition. The foundation needed to be repaired, but it was also in surprisingly good shape. In fact, the quality of the craftsmanship at John McKenzie House continues to impress heritage restoration architects and tradespeople alike. The building was truly built to last and the Ontario Historical Society is working to ensure that it does!
More recently, the OHS has begun the demolition of the old driveway, which will soon be repaved with asphalt. The rear deck has been repaired and refinished, and the wheelchair ramp is being repaired and upgraded.
The OHS thanks the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program and the City of Toronto’s Heritage Grants Program for their support of our limestone steps restoration project, and the accessibility upgrades at the John McKenzie House.
Photo Gallery
Rentals at John McKenzie House
The John McKenzie House is available to rent for meetings, workshops, and small social gatherings.
There are several beautiful rooms available to rent, a perfect setting with historical ambience. This is a great venue for small boardroom-style meetings, presentations, and receptions. Amenities include: full kitchen with dishwasher, oven, stove, microwave, and flatware and some cutlery; two washrooms; projection screen.
The building is located conveniently in the heart of Willowdale (North York), steps from Yonge Street, between Sheppard Avenue and Finch Avenue. It is minutes away from the North York Centre TTC station.
There is a flat per-hour rate for renting the John McKenzie House (no HST is charged). Rates start at:
For Private Groups:
- $50/hr
- $55/hr
For Not-for-Profit Groups:
- $40/hr
- $45/hr
Please choose one of the rooms listed below to learn more about the space available for rent at John McKenzie House.
The Sitting Room can accommodate up to 30 people (seated) or up to 45 (standing), with rectangular tables and chairs arranged or removed as needed. The ample sunlight and gorgeous wood panelling create a memorable setting for meetings and private functions.
Small formal living room space, ideal for small meetings or gatherings of up to 15 people, and can be used in conjunction with other rooms for rentals of the entire ground floor of John McKenzie House. Features period furnishings and the Canadian Women’s Historical Society Collection display.
Furnished with Edwardian-era fixtures, this dining space is ideal for meetings and special gatherings. Large table can seat up to 10 people. Opens through sliding doors to the Parlour. Includes access to the John McKenzie House kitchen and washrooms.
This unique historic structure dates from 1918. Features an open-plan space accommodating up to 30 people, with rectangular tables and chairs available. Includes private washroom, sink, and countertop space. Separate entrance guarantees privacy for your meeting or group function. The Coach House is an accessible space. Includes access to the John McKenzie House kitchen and washrooms.
Rent a Space
If you would like to rent the house please contact us at ohs@ontariohistoricalsociety.ca or (416)226-9011,
and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
Our Historic Plaque
The foremost historical organization in the province, The Ontario Historical Society, originally called the Pioneer Association of Ontario, was established on September 4, 1888 largely through the efforts of the Reverend Henry Scadding. It initially operated as a federation of local groups and was primarily concerned with the promotion of British-Canadian nationalism through the study of history. Reorganized in 1898 and incorporated with an expanded mandate the following year, the Society became increasingly involved in the movement to preserve archival records and historic sites. It also assumed more scholarly pursuits, including a publication program, in addition to encouraging and coordinating the activities of local historical associations and museums. Today the Society continues the many efforts to preserve, interpret and publicize Ontario’s multi-faceted heritage.
Created by the Ontario Heritage Foundation, Ministry of Culture and Communications, erected at John McKenzie House in 1998.
D’abord appelée Pioneer Association of Ontario, The Ontario Historical Society, principal organisme historique de la province, fut créée le 4 septembre 1888, surtout grâce aux efforts du révérend Henry Scadding. Au début, cette fédération de groupements locaux se vouait à la promotion du nationalism britannico-canadien par l’étude de l’histoire. Restructuré en 1898 et constitué en société avec un mandat élargi l’année suivante, l’organisme participa de plus en plus au movement de préservation des archives et des sites historiques. La société s’adonna aussi à scientifiques, dont un programme de publications, et favorisa et coordonna les activités des association historiques et des musées locaux. Aujourd’hui, elle continue à préserver et à interpreter le patrimoine varié de l’Ontario et à le faire connaître.
Préparé par la Fondation du patrimoine ontarien, Ministère de la Culture et des Communications, érigée au Maison John McKenzie en 1998.
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