The timely lessons of a timeless neighborhood. The Annex is a unique urban neighborhood of Toronto. While it now rests deep within the city, at one time -- until its annexation in the late nineteenth century -- it was a separate entity. The Annex retains a certain pride that enabled it to withstand much of the urbanization that has blighted other major cities. Today, the district is considered one of the most chic neighborhoods in a city known for its chic neighborhoods. The Annex is the illustrated story of how a nineteenth-century subdivision owned by a single land developer became the upscale, multi-ethnic, trendsetting hub for much of downtown life in Toronto. This story involved the city"s wealthiest citizens and farsighted architects who gave the Annex its look, as well as the neighborhood activists who resisted changes that inevitably come with modern urban planning. This book features 128 black and white photographs of: Key homes Churches Public buildings Institutions of higher learning The district"s abundant parks More recent architecture. The Annex is an inspiration for people everywhere who want to protect the distinctive character of their neighborhoods.