Toronto’s iconic Brass Rail Tavern, a downtown strip club nestled on Yonge south of Bloor, is at the centre of a heritage designation proposal that could make or break the future of the historic venue. The proposed heritage designation for the building, located at 699 Yonge St. since 1948, which city staff is recommending, is currently under consideration by the Planning and Housing Committee, with City Council set to make a final decision on Dec. 13.
The site is also the subject of a development proposal for a 64-storey condo.
Of course, approval of the development could mean the end of one of the city’s most storied adult entertainment venues, especially considering the pace of construction when it comes to condos.
Currently, the brickwork on the Brass Rail and other historic buildings on that strip are covered up by some awful cladding, so it is hard to imagine the historic nature of such structures at first glance.
The Brass Rail has etched its name in Toronto’s nightlife history, not only as a popular strip club but also as a celebrity hub that allegedly hosted renowned figures such as Charlize Theron, and Colin Farrell. Additionally, the Brass Rail holds sentimental value for music enthusiasts, being one of the first venues where Paul Shaffer, renowned musician and host, began his career.
The Brass Rail’s historical significance extends beyond its celebrity allure. In the 1960s and early 1970s, it played a pivotal role in launching the career of Jackie Shane, a prominent figure in Toronto’s entertainment scene. Shane and the Motley Crew, later renamed Frank Motley and The Hitchhikers, performed regularly along Yonge Street, captivating audiences at the Brass Rail Tavern and other venues across the Greater Toronto Area.
However, the club has not been without controversy. In the past, it defiantly challenged city bylaws and federal laws against lap dancing, ultimately leading to a landmark decision by the Supreme Court of Canada in the 1997 R v Mara case, which overturned the bans on lap dancing.
The heritage designation proposal stems from the City’s recognition of the cultural and historical importance of the building. The properties at 699 and 707 Yonge Street, including the Brass Rail Tavern, are recommended for designation under Part IV, Section 29 of the Ontario Heritage Act. The row building, constructed in 1887, features a three-storey brick façade. According to the city’s information, the Brass Rail has been operating at its current location since 1948. But according to the history posted on the Brass Rail’s website, the business actually started in 1958.
According to a city report, the properties in question were listed on the Heritage Register in March 2016 and “are included in the Historic Yonge Heritage Conservation District, which is currently under appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal.”
While the heritage designation is met with enthusiasm by preservation advocates, it coincides with proposed redevelopment plans for the subject properties. The redevelopment aims to retain and restore the 3-storey brick façade as part of a new tower, while demolishing two other structures on the site.
The decision lies in the hands of City Council, with the Planning and Housing Committee set to consider the matter on Nov. 30, and the final decision scheduled for Dec. 13.
Streets of Toronto reached out to Brass Rail for comment.