Attic Books - History of The Building

History of The Building

The building at 240 Dundas St. is Late Victorian Red Brick Commercial. Originally, the building was a single floor and only about 20’ long. It was not expanded until the 1880s, when the second and third floor were added. The second floor was attached to 242 Dundas, creating a large space that accommodated Somerset Hall. Doorways on the main floor also allowed access to the adjacent building. A hoist existed where the current elevator can be found.

During a major renovation in 1919, Arts and Crafts elements were added to the façade. The back end of the store was extended and the mezzanine was added to the third floor. This renovation was designed and executed by famous London architect, J. M. Moore. Before 1919, the building matched the three structures that surround it, two to the west and one to the east. The elevator was installed in 1919, and was made by the Roelofsen Machine and Tool Co. in Galt, Ontario.

The large pane glass windows overlooking the street were installed by McPhillips & Co. in the 1930s. The outer two window panes on each of the upper picture windows pivoted to open like a door. These windows facilitated the movement of pianos from the street to the upper floors for display. They have since been sealed off for safety.

Marvin Post purchased the building from the Thompson family, owners of Supertest, in 1996. The Thompsons had owned it since the early 1930s. When repainting the elevator, Marvin removed 35 lbs. of lead paint from the car, unveiling a rainbow of colours that had been added over the years. The alternating dark and light wood on the second level flooring is called a “wedding floor,” made of walnut and maple, and can also be found in 242 Dundas next door. When Marvin Post took possession of the building in 1996, the toilets had not been updated, although the plumbing had been. The toilet tanks were still made of wood, and have since been replaced. In the basement is a section from the steam pipe that runs through the entire downtown, an old-fashioned form of heating.

The gargoyle overlooking Dundas St. was added by the current owner. It was designed by Florin Musta, and acquired through Tony O’Callaghan of Studio Celtia, former business at 240 Dundas.