National Hotel, Toronto

[3] The hotel was originally called the "British Exchange Inn" when it was run by its first proprietor George Ross.

In 1868, the hotel was rebuilt and renamed the Grand Central Hotel and was managed by a William Burke, who expanded the building east – "likely in response to legislation enacted under pressure from the temperance movement".

[2] Hotels needed to offer a certain number of rooms to rent before they were entitled to a liquor license.

[2] The plan stirred controversy and the City of Toronto applied to have the property designated under the Ontario Heritage Act.

The OMB ordered the City of Toronto to approve the development with the retention of the north and west facades.