Bishop’s Block on the N/E corner of Adelaide and Simcoe circa 1890. Built in 1833.
According to Patricia McHugh in her excellent book “Toronto Architecture-A City Guide”
“These two brick and stucco row houses are Toronto’s oldest example of the genre. though now sadly bereft of their three original sisters and most of their Georgian dignity as well. Joseph Bishop was a butcher who built these houses for speculation.”

When this photo was taken (1890) The building on the right is operating as a Hotel. I can’t make out the entire name but it could be the J.J. O’Conner Hotel….

Below, some of the tenants occupying the block in 1890.

This map from 1924 has it listed as the Clarke Hotel.

Bishop’s Block some time in the late 1960’s when it operated as the Pretzel Bell Tavern.

4 of the original townhouses still exist.

Seen here in the late 1970’s, down to 2….

A recently discovered photo perhaps from the early 1980’s.

Sadly, since the book was written, the remaining two houses were torn down last year to make way for more condos. The developers are supposed to re-build the original facades and incorporate them into the new structure.
The city did conduct an extensive archeological dig at the site.
Details can be found here.

When demolition started I was lucky enough to spot this old hand painted sign that had been covered up for years and managed to liberate it…

Harv’s Hang Inn.

Bishop’s Block as seen in 1856.

The back view in 1982 and below the rebuilt version.

The bricks look to be vintage…