20150210. With Global Village Backpackers’ Hostel now closed, what’s next for this 1875 Second Empire building at King and Spadina?

20150210_6195_2015_1600x1100This building was originally the Richardson House. It was built in 1875 but then modified in 1882 and 1890. In 1917 it became the Spadina Hotel where Leonard Cohen and the Rolling Stones played, a Jack Nicholson film was made and Ernest Hemingway stayed. In 1997 it became the Global Village Backpacker’s Hostel. Late last year the owner died and the place was quickly closed up.

Urban Photography of Toronto and beyond by Vik Pahwa (vik@vikpahwa.com)