Living Legacy of Toronto Heritage
Completed in 1857, the Tin & Copper Smith Building was designed by architect Joseph Sheard, who would later become Toronto’s mayor. The building began its life as a workshop, first owned by Hiram Piper, a master metalsmith celebrated for his tin and copper craftsmanship, and soon became a part of the city’s growing industrial landscape.
Evolution of Purpose
Over the decades, the building evolved to meet the changing needs of the city, with significant additions in 1895, 1910, and 1914. Throughout its 165-year history, the Tin & Copper Smith Building has been home to a variety of enterprises. It has housed artisans, creators, journalists, and a diverse array of businesses, including a restaurant, reflecting its adaptability and enduring appeal as a commercial space.
Most notably, in 1893 it earned a place in Toronto’s media history as the birthplace of the Evening Star, the newspaper that would grow into today’s Toronto Star.
Continuing the Story
The Tin & Copper Smith Building is more than just bricks and mortar; it is a living testament to Toronto’s rich heritage and the many stories that have shaped the city’s cultural and economic evolution.
Today, it continues its legacy as the home of Convivium, merging its historic charm with a vibrant new purpose that celebrates community, culture, and culinary artistry.
