Lawrence Park  ~~ A Prime Toronto Neighbourhood History The Lawrence Park subdivision was assembled in 1907 by the Dovercourt Land Building and Saving Company which had acquired the north parcel of Lawrence Park from John Lawrence, after whom this neighbourhood is named.   It was under direction the president of Dovercourt Land Company,Wilfred Servington Dinnick's direction that Lawrence Park was developed as a suburb for the 'well to do'. Despite all the fanfare and aggressive advertising, Lawrence Park's development was sporadic. The building of houses was interrupted by two world wars, a recession, and a depression. It wasn't until the 1950's that this neighbourhood was completely developed. The Park   Lawrence Park is one of Toronto's most exclusive residential neighbourhoods. It is located in a very peaceful and safe setting that includes gently rolling hills, winding roads, and a lush blanket of mature trees.  The beautiful setting, and exceptional private and public schools, keeps Lawrence Park in high demand as an excellent place to raise a family. Most of this neighbourhood's recreational facilities centre around Lawrence Park, east of Yonge Street, and south of Lawrence.  This park has three clay surface tennis courts, a lawn bowling club, and the Alexander Muir Memorial Gardens, an award winning multi level strolling garden. This park also provides access to the Lawrence Park Ravine footpath, that is popular with fitness and nature enthusiasts.  Lawrence Park's shops, schools, and recreational facilities are located on its periphery, keeping traffic on the residential streets to a minimum. There are three wonderful parks which make life very enjoyable for children. Another thing that draws families to Lawrence Park is The Granite Club, which is located two minutes north on Bayview Avenue.  The Granite Club is a family, athletic, dining, and social club.  It offers a range of services and activities that are too numerous to mention, but include something for every member of the family, ranging from five-pin bowling to computer classes, and from ballet and dance classes to art and wine societies. The high profile shops and restaurants in the Yonge and Lawrence area, are well patronized by Lawrence Park residents. This shopping district includes fashion stores, children's stores, sporting goods stores, gift shops, bakeries, and gourmet coffee shops. Homes Lawrence Park's architecture is a mix of Cape Cod, English Tudor, Georgian, and Colonial style designs.  Most of the lots are 50 x 150, although some streets do have larger lots. Many Lawrence Park homes were built between 1910 and the late 1940's, but homes in the 4200 sq.ft. to 5500 sq.ft. range have been built in the last 10 years. The community deftly combines older homes that have undergone renovation with traditional style new homes.  The renovations in this neighbourhood have been completed with an eye to preserving the old-world charm of the homes.  Typically, a number of unique features of the renovated homes have been maintained, including leaded glass windows, wood trims, door and window frames, decorative fireplace mantels and rich hardwood floors. Lawrence Park real estate offers families a wide range of home choices and excellent amenities.