New World Coin Laundry

Fighting Development

When the developers came knocking at his door, Casaccio refused to sell for less than $100,000.  At the time, market value for the home was estimated at $12,000. Developers refused, but were able to purchase the majority of the homes surrounding Casaccio’s property, including 598 Parliament Street, which was connected to Casaccio’s home. Developers ripped down the attached semi and built a Y-shaped, 32-storey building called “The Halifax” at 280 Wellesley Street East.

New World Coin Laundry

Fighting Development

Lucio Casaccio continued to fight the building’s developers even after the Halifax was completed. In 1968, he sued Howard Investments Ltd., the firm behind the Halifax’s construction, for $1,000,000. In an unusual legal argument, Casaccio claimed the company violated his property’s air rights by swinging materials over his building during construction. Ultimately, Casaccio was awarded $1,200 by a judge, but also required to pay $60,000 in legal costs.

New World Coin Laundry

Neighbourhood Changes

After Lucio Casccio died in 1971, his family eventually sold the 600 Parliament property. Today the former Casaccio home still stands, but has been heavily remodelled over the years. It is currently open as “New World Coin Laundry.” The building serves as a visual reminder of resistance to urban renewal in the 1960s. This half of a semi-detached continues to tell the story of the evolution of the St. James Town neighbourhood even after the original owners left.

New World Coin Laundry

Further Reading

-“Tailor sues builders for millions,” The Toronto Star (February 29, 1968), p. B79

-Mark Parliament, “The $80,000 house no one wants,” The Toronto Star (July 31, 1972), p. 8.