The St. Lawrence Hall,
located at King and Jarvis Streets, was built in 1849-50. The structure originally
contained a hall for public gatherings at the King Street end, and a covered market
extending back to Front Street in the rear. In its heyday it was the venue for many
important social and cultural events and lectures. Towards the end of the 19th century it
fell into a sad state of disrepair, and remained that way until 1967 when it was restored
to its former glory. Until recently it housed the National Ballet of Canada. Today the
Hall is again the locale for social and cultural events and has retail stores at street
level.
