122 Dundas Street, Georgian Commercial Building

Audio Synopsis



Note painted brickwork and modernized street-level facade and signage. Surface spalling of brickwork is evident in 'eyebrow' cornices above second storey windows, especially on right side of building.
 


Google Street View image from June 2014.
 


Google Street View image from October 2011.
 


Google Street View image - July 2009.
 

Significance

This narrow three-storey building at 122 Dundas Street is the best-preserved of downtown buildings constructed after the Great Fire of 1845. The fire, which started in the Robinson Hall Hotel (the first London hotel, located at the South-East corner of Dundas and Ridout), decimated much of the downtown core.

The projecting eave has decorative woodwork and small dentil work brackets. Voussoirs (wedge-shaped or tapered stones) are simulated with brickwork on the third floor to create a stone keystone effect over the windows, adding visual interest to the facade.

Former Owners or Tenants

This building is primarily associated with clothing sales. In the late 19th and early 20th century it housed an outlet for Singer Sewing Machine Co.

  • 1881-82: George Heron, dry goods
  • 1884-87: Smiley, milliner,
  • 1884: Forde, dressmaker
  • 1888-89: Abraham Morris, dry goods
  • 1890: D.J. McColl, shoes
  • 1892-95: Empire Tea Co.
  • 1897-1905; 1906-17: Singer Manufacturing Co., sewing machines
  • 1917-1920: ??
  • 1920: Youdkowitz, millinery
  • 1921-22: Everybody's Shoe Store
  • 1923-26: Vogue Fashions
  • 1927-35: Singer Manufacturing Co., sewing machines
  • 1935-1945: ??
  • 1945-50: Koblin's Ladies Wear
  • 1950-1960: ??
  • 1960: Sonny's Clothing
  • 1970-2009: J. Goose Family Clothing
  • 2009-2011: ??
  • 2011: Design Decor (home decoration)
  • 2014: Uber Cool Stuff (clothing and fashions)

Google Street View


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