“Fine examples of eclecticism in Late Victorian Era architecture in Toronto, combining elements of Richardsonian Romanesque with Queen Anne Revival. Contextually, historically and visually linked to their setting on the east side of Huron Street between Dupont Street and Bernard Avenue with a number of other grand late-Victorian-era houses.”

April 1924, 661 Huron Street occupied by the Church of England’s Waifs and Strays Society through which lodged and trained young immigrant British girls for employment in domestic service. Between 1869 and the early 1930s the organization received over 100,000 relocated British girls. October 7, 1924, the Right Reverend Bishop of Toronto officially opened 661 Huron St as the Elizabeth Rye Home (named for the sister of the founder of the organization, Maria Rye). In the first year of operation 72 girls, average age seventeen, were housed and trained for employment. The Toronto branch closed to new lodgers, January 31, 1932 but continued to house the existing girls at the house until 1933.

663-665 Huron Street (originally 665) only the second house to be completed on Huron Street between Dupont Street and Bernard Avenue by 1890. Originally occupied by Alexander Rankin, realtor and Vice-President of Fairbank Consolidated Lumber Company, then by Thomas J. Ford, owner of the Ford Pill Company. (Considering Rankin’s professions, it is probable that he commissioned construction and may have been the builder.) The property remained a single-family dwelling until the early 1940s, when it began to accommodate multiple units. City Directory 1942 indicates street address as 663 and 665 Huron Street for the first time. From the post-war period on, the house remained a multi-unit residential dwelling.

Spring 2020, 661 Huron nominated for cultural heritage evaluation by The Annex Residents’ Association and the British Home Children Advocacy & Research Association. Determined that 661 and 663-665 Huron Street meet provincial criteria for municipal designation under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act.

August 7, 2020, Senior Manager, Heritage Planning, Urban Design, City Planning recommend inclusion on the Heritage Register with intent to designate under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act. ACO Chair Kae Elgie, ACO Toronto Chair, Matthew Zambri and other members of ACO write to Toronto and East York Community Council in support of designation.

November 22, 2019 Zoning By-law Amendment and Rental Housing Demolition applications submitted to permit a 48 unit, four-storey apartment building, which would require demolition of the existing house.

December 22, 2020, City of Toronto Council designates 661 and 663-665 Huron Street.