Why I Love the McLeish-Powell Houses: Bringing heritage closer to youBefore I tell you it’s go

Why I Love the McLeish-Powell Houses: Bringing heritage closer to youBefore I tell you it’s going to be a condo…I had an interview at North Strategic earlier this year and as I was walking east towards the company’s offices I noticed a beautiful boarded up building with two lions guarding the front entrance. I was intrigued by the structure, which I knew had to have dated back to when the King-Spadina area was residential. I was drawn in by its mix of architectural elements of the two semi-detached homes including Gothic Revival, Italianate and Queen Anne along with its heritage attributes. The three floor 1888 Victorian building has a number of notable features including:Stone and terra cottaHipped-gable roof has a trio of gables with decorative wood detailingAnimal heads placed above the bay windowsTerra cotta panels with scrollworkThe building is nestled pretty far back on its property from street with a parking lot occupying, what I assume was once a front yard. After doing research I found out the building was last a wedding venue listed by many as one of the best in the city. From various pictures, the building was retrofitted to include booths and bars with the décor being described as that from the 40s.  Now I’m going to tell you it’s being incorporated into a condo…The semi-detached homes will be incorporated into a new condominium project dubbed Wellington House. The building will be moved forward into what is now the parking lot to accommodate the tower. However, I like the relocation as it will bring the beautiful building closer to the street, making it feel part of the community and the main focal point. This move will also mean the full restoration of the McLeish-Powell Houses –the exterior at least - which will be converted into retail outlets.(Courtesy of Urban Toronto)While the McLeish-Powell House will be front and centre at streetscape, the main focal point for the condominiums will be its expansive window wall facing east. As seen in the picture below, the window wall will most certainly change the skyline once built. The 23 storey tower with 129 units is currently in the pre-construction stages with sales expected to start soon.  (Courtesy of Urban Toronto)Lead image courtesy of ACO Toronto. -- source link

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