The West Queen West HCD reflects the early development and western expansion of Toronto. The portion of Queen Street within the District was originally an extension of the historic Lot Street, the base concession line dividing the military Garrison Reserve to the south and Park Lots to the north. As an early example of main street commercial development in Toronto, the District conveys a defined sense of place, with most of its buildings constructed from the 1880s to the 1920s. The District boasts a high concentration of late-19th and early-20th century commercial buildings, showcasing a variety of architectural styles of the period. The District also has a rich tradition of community and civic activity.