The Lawrence Park South neighbourhood in Toronto refers to the community south of Lawrence Avenue extending southward to Blythwood Road and Briar Hill Avenue on the eastern section. The western corner extends up to Eglinton Avenue. Yonge Street defines the eastern boundary while the the western boundary is a combination of three north-south thoroughfares: Proudfoot Avenue, Castlewood Road and Latimer Road.
This area was once the northern terminus of Metropolitan Street Railways’ streetcar service on the Bloor Street corridor. Today, residents can walk to the bus routes on Lawrence Avenue, Mount Pleasant Road, Bayview Avenue and Yonge Street. Access to Highway 401 is through an on-ramp on Yonge Street.
Lawrence Park South homes go as far back as the early 1900s up to the 1940s. These homes show the influence of Georgian, Colonial and Tudor style architecture on Toronto homes. Many of these older homes are giving way to larger and more modern homes, causing great concern among preservationists.
Houses are mostly detached structures, but there are also some modest semi-detached homes and apartments. In an attempt to blend in with community standards, new homes may include such features as leaded glass windows, elaborate fireplace mantels, decorative wood trims on door and window frames and quality hardwood floors.
The community appeals to young families because it provides easy access to Toronto’s main business district as well as access to excellent schools.
Students residing in Lawrence Park South may attend Blythwood Junior Public School, Glenview Senior Public School, John Ross Robertson Junior Public School, Lawrence Park Collegiate Institute and Allenby Junior High School.
Residents can enjoy the facilities at Alexander Muir Park and Blythwood Ravine as well as the posh amenities at the nearby Rosedale Golf Club and the Granite Club.
Most of the dining and shopping options are found on Yonge Street. The popular spots include cheese and gourmet shop Alex on Yonge and upscale spa and salon Civello Uptown. Yonge-Lawrence Village is an upmarket retail destination offering a diverse selection of food, recreation and cultural insights.
