Trees lined University Avenue in 1893 when the Legislative Building opened, instead of the skyscrapers we are used to seeing today. The c. 1890 photo was taken during the last stages of construction of the Legislative Building, and you will notice that the south lawn has changed dramatically since then. The path leading to University Avenue was curved, not straight, and lay further to the east than it does today.
The c. 1890 photo was taken by Josiah Bruce, a Toronto photographer known for his architectural photographs.