Studio VAARO Brings Space and Modern Character to a Toronto Heritage Home

Founded in 1967 to protest Toronto’s plans for the Spadina Expressway — which would have connected the downtown core with the growing neighbourhoods to the north and led to the demolition of both natural habitats and hundreds of homes — the Republic of Rathnelly boasts what may be one of the city’s more eccentric histories. The Midtown neighbourhood was established during Canada’s centennial; it recognized its symbolic independence movement by electing a queen, issuing passports and drafting a constitution, among other spirited initiatives. While the declaration of independence was somewhat tongue-in-cheek, it played a successful role in the cancellation of the proposed expressway and laid the groundwork for a sense of community pride…