Often admired for its gracious, old-world beauty, Glendon Hall (left) on York’s Glendon College campus is about to undergo a transformation. But don’t worry: the historic building will retain its beloved charm.
York University and the Junior League of Toronto have announced that Toronto’s finest designers will renovate the historic hall as the seventh Junior League of Toronto Showhouse.
As the signature fundraiser for the Junior League, a Showhouse showcases designers, suppliers and sponsors by restoring a landmark home for public viewing.
Glendon Hall will be open to the public in all its new Showhouse glory from May 8 to June 6, 2004. After that, it becomes a College building again. But rooms will be designed with the end use in mind, so that a minimum of conversion is necessary. Glendon can even buy the designer-displayed furniture if it wishes.
Since 1983, the Junior League of Toronto and its partners have transformed six homes: Graydon Hall, Bob Rumball Manor, Ronald McDonald House II, George Brown House, Valley Halla and the McLean Estate. The funds raised support community action toward improving the lives of women and children.
“The Junior League volunteers will spend thousands of hours over the next year coordinating the efforts of designers, suppliers and sponsors,” said Junior League of Toronto President Tina Wiebe-Carl. “We are thrilled to be working with York.”
Right: Location of Glendon Hall on Glendon College campus
York University President and Vice-Chancellor Lorna R. Marsden welcomed the opportunity to work with the Junior League of Toronto and their design partners, who will volunteer their expertise to transform Glendon Hall into the Junior League of Toronto Showhouse 2004.
“We are very pleased to be a part of this project to refurbish an important historical site and raise funds for community services that are vital to women and children,” said Marsden.
Built in 1925, Glendon Hall is an Italianate-style house overlooking the Don River. It was home to E.R. Woods, founder of Dominion Securities and one of Canada’s most influential business persons.
The Junior League of Toronto is a women’s organization committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.
