Gallery Court History
Gallery Court (CCC#419) was designed by Toronto architect Brian Brisbin, with construction first beginning in May, 1986 on the west wing of the building. Construction continued on schedule, and the east wing began to rise in November, 1986.
The architectural design integrated into Gallery Court is essentially symmetrical. However, Brisbin incorporated a “U-shaped” and arched façade facing Murray Street, which continues the neo-classical design of other nearby buildings, while providing a strong streetscape for businesses located in the two pavilions and recessed commercial area of Gallery Court.
Gallery Court has two street addresses - 15 Murray and 35 Murray Street. Entrances at both locations have individual lobbies and elevators to residential floors, but share a common garage and a lower level crossover hallway between “sides”. The use of a stone exterior - Canadian-made, repurposed angelstone invented by Edward Bevan Ratcliffe - mirrors the façade textures and colours of adjacent buildings. Faux arches across the front of Gallery Court, provide interesting and historically-related details to the entrances, garage ramp and retail spaces.
Brisbin was very particular about avoiding box-like apartments, creating unique floor plans and high-standard finishes for urban living, while respecting the historical nature of the area. He incorporated one or more unique features within each of the seventy-five condominium and nine commercial units at Gallery Court - be it size or layout or even two balconies – to set them apart from their neighbouring units. With slanted glass curtains ringing the roofline and fireplace chimneys dotting the rooftop, penthouse units at 15 Murray Street are all two level residences. Units on the penthouse level at 35 Murray Street are one storey, but most carry a number of the same features as the two-level penthouses next door, including wood-burning fireplaces and skylights. Equally unique in his design, Brisbin incorporated ground-level pied-à-terres with large private patios ideal for entertaining. Due to the high number of services in the neighbourhood, Brisbin did not integrate common facilities within the designs for the complex.
With luxury and comfort in mind, Brisbin added a number of features of interest to discerning buyers, such as central air conditioning, clean electric heating, and in-suite laundry facilities for washers and dryers. At the time, these features were not common in multi-unit buildings.
Gallery Court was completed in 1988-1989, following a successful sales launch as well as acclaim by architectural reviewers, historical critics and journalists.
