One of Canada’s oldest private clubs is thinking of going condo

Even the members of the historic Albany Club are being tempted by the siren song of the condo boom. Founded in 1882 by a group of Conservatives that included John A. MacDonald (yes, that one), the last political club in Canada has called an oak-panelled, brass-fixtured building on King Street at Church home since 1898. Despite those historical chops, members are considering a proposal to tear it down to build a 47-storey condo tower, with the lower floors reserved for new club quarters. One slight problem: the city’s Heritage Preservation Services recently approved a staff report to classify the building (and its next-door neighbours) as heritage sites. If city council approves that designation this fall, the buildings will have to stay. [Toronto Star]