The Lawrence Park subdivision was assembled in 1907 by the Dovercourt Land Building and Saving Company. The Dovercourt Land Company acquired the north parcel of Lawrence Park from John Lawrence, after whom this neighbourhood is named.
Wilfred Servington Dinnick was the president of the Dovercourt Land Company. It was under Dinnick's direction that Lawrence Park was developed as a suburb for the 'well to do'.
The first advertisement for Lawrence Park trumpeted it as an 'aristocratic neighbourhood', 'four hundred feet above Lake Ontario', and 'Far from the Lake Winds in Winter'.
Despite all its fanfare, Lawrence Park's development was sporadic. The building of houses was interrupted by two world wars, a recession, and a depression. It wasn't until the 1950's that this neighbourhood was completely developed.
OVERVIEW
Lawrence Park is one of Toronto's most exclusive residential neighbourhoods. It is located in a very peaceful and tranquil setting that includes gently rolling hills, winding roads and a lush topography.
Lawrence Park's shops, schools, and recreational facilities are located on its periphery, which keeps traffic on the residential streets to a minimum.
HOMES
Lawrence Park's whimsical houses include a variety of architectural styles including English Cottage, Tudor Revival and Georgian and Colonial style designs.
Lawrence Park houses were built between 1910 and the late 1940's.
Lawrence Park is a good place to find a house that blends the old with the new. Renovations in this neighbourhood have been sensitive to preserve the old world charm of these houses including leaded glass windows, wood trims around the door and window frames, decorative fireplace mantels and rich hardwood floors.
