The Joseph Simpson Knitting Mills
In 1865 Joseph Simpson established Toronto Knitting and Yarn Mills. His factory on this site opened in 1871. By 1893 the firm employed 200 workers with Simpson's sons, Ernest and Rupert, as partners. Later additions were designed by C.J. Gibson, architect. In 1945 the firm was sold to Monarch Knitting Mills. From 1952 to 1965 the buildings were occupied by the Toronto Storage Company, and for the next fifteen years were used as studio space by artisans. The entire complex was renovated between 1979 and 1982 by A.J. Diamond Associates, Architects.
Plaque via Alan L. Brown's site Toronto Plaques. Full page here.