Boundaries
The Annex is bounded in the north by Dupont St., in the south by Bloor St., in the west by Bathurst St. and in the east by Avenue Road.
History
True to its name, this part of the city was actually annexed. A real estate developer named Simeon Janes combined two empty pieces of land in 1886 into a suburban area, which was subsequently integrated into Toronto proper. This gave rise to a period of expansion which is yet to stop, today it covers a much larger area than it did back then.
Neighbourhood Characteristics
The Annex, as the name suggests was added to the city of Toronto. It is inhabited by a heterogeneous community of people. The close proximity of the Annex to the University of Toronto makes it a favorite among the students and academicians. And if you are looking out for shopping then you would be amazed by Bloor Street West which is the commercial hub of The Annex. Along the Bloor strip you will find modern shops, fine eateries and a vibrant nightlife. There is even the odd old and beautiful mansion that has been converted to commercial use.
The residential area of the neighborhood has its unique appeal, especially to the young, carefree crowd. The Annex houses magnificent old homes. A striking feature of these houses is that they are big, heavy in structure and reflect a Roman style which is quite different than other neighbourhoods in Toronto. As you move further west you would find much simpler two-storey homes lining the street.
Many houses which were rented out to students are now being reclaimed and renovated in order to act as private residences again. The Annex is one of the more exclusive neighborhoods in the Toronto.
