Stone Distillery, Toronto

The Stone Distillery, located in the Distillery District complex of Gooderham & Worts Distillery, is a historic industrial structure dating back to 1859. It stands as the oldest and largest building in the complex.

Designed by David Roberts, Sr., this remarkable edifice was constructed between 1858 and 1861. The construction materials included limestone transported from nearby Kingston, as well as double-timber beams. The purpose of the building was to accommodate various functions such as a grist mill, powerhouse, mashing, distilling, and fermentation. The main building, spanning five stories, housed the grist mill, powerhouse, and distilling operations, while the one-story western extension was dedicated to fermentation.

The Stone Distillery commands attention in the Distillery District due to its massive size and distinctive materials. With dimensions of 300 by 80 feet (24 meters), it exemplifies the grandeur of Victorian industrial architecture while also incorporating elements reminiscent of the ancient Florentine style. Each floor in the main building is delineated by a layer of stone, while the first floor, featuring larger dimensions and square windows, grounds the structure firmly. The unadorned facade is adorned by a rhythmic arrangement of windows, separated by circular iron tie plates. The entire building harmonizes through a color scheme of warm grey limestone with dark green accents on the windows, doors, and other decorative elements.

Currently, the Stone Distillery is home to several restaurants, galleries, offices, and other amenities, offering a vibrant hub of activity within the Distillery District.