Temple Building (Toronto)

The Temple Building was a twelve-story high-rise complex at the corner of Richmond Street West and Bay Street in Toronto. Built in 1896, it was one of the city's first skyscrapers. It served as the world headquarters of the Independent Order of Foresters, a fraternal society with a financial function, and remained the tallest building in the city until 1905. George W. Gouinlock's design was modeled on Chicago high-rises such as the Rookery Building. After the Foresters moved out in 1953, the building was demolished in 1970 to make way for the Queen-Bay Centre. Part of the original facade can still be seen today at Guild Park and Gardens in Scarborough.