Loblaw Groceterias Warehouse
by Mike Falkner
In 1919, Theodore Pringle Loblaw and J. Milton Cork opened the first Loblaw Groceterias store modelled on a new and radically different self-serve retail concept in Toronto.
By 1928, the grocer had 69 stores across Ontario. The state-of-the-art Loblaw Groceterias Warehouse & Head Office also opened, in the new and mostly undeveloped lands at what is now 500 Lake Shore Boulevard West at Bathurst Street. It was one of the first projects constructed on the city’s new reclaimed land. Hailed as a model of efficiency, the Loblaw Warehouse included its own electric tram railway, giant ovens for baking a ton of cakes and cookies each day, huge drums for blending tea, and 22,000 feet of refrigeration piping. Warehouse employees even had their own bowling alley and an auditorium for performing shows and plays.
The building was declared a heritage property in 2001. The warehouse has been demolished, however the historic facade will be rebuilt into the companies new flagship location. The new complex will also feature 88,000 square feet of retail space including a pharmacy, wine store, clothing boutique and an 11,000 square foot restaurant. Two high rise condo towers will also be constructed on the north end, facing the QEW.
