Here’s another tour I’ve been sitting on for a while… This summer was just way too busy…
A rendering of the Medical Arts Building from the Microfilm archives dating to 1928. As you can see in the photo below compared to the rendering above, an extra floor was added during construction. You can’t tell from the inside, but it does look out of place today, after seeing the original design. It was designed by Architect J.R. Sculland, and opened in 1930.
Here’s a photo of the building shortly after it opened in 1930. The building is designated, and was recently purchased by a new owner after sitting vacant for most of the last 8 years. The plan is to convert the building into condos. A great plan, and I’m happy the building is getting a new lease on life.
These photos all date to 1986, and come from the Toronto Architectural Firm Quadrangle. Quadrangle was hired to renovate the building in 1986, and these photos all predate that renovation. They restored the copper canopy over the front door, and removed those hideous lighted signs from in front of the architectural sculptures flanking the doorway.
Tomorrow we’ll walkthrough the building as it is today. Well as it was in May, they have been gutting out the debris over the last month or so…
beautiful wood and facade work. you just don’t see that attention to detail anymore.
I have been in that building twice ever and each time it was llike walking back into the past. Not too many buildings are in that good of shape in Windsor.
The lobby itself is a wonderful small room with the original elevator that has gate-closing doors.
I am very happy to hear that it is being converted to condos. Maybe the idea of refurbish/rehab is finally starting to catch on in Windsor.
Let’s keep up the campaign to re-use and restore in this city!
Parking has always been an issue for this site. As long term tenants retired, it became a major sticking point for attracting new tenants. The death knell sounded when the parking lot next door gave way to the Health Unit and Victoria Avenue became permit parking only between Elliot and Giles. And unless the new owners plan on excavating for underground parking, I imagine it will be a major sticking point for Condo sales as well.
I believe the Medical Arts Building was the last building in the city to retain a elevator operator. I last talked to the lady who operated the antiquated controls back in 1999. At that time, she had held that job for at least thirty years, if memory serves me correctly.
Wow, that is an amazing lobby. And they preserved all that natural woodwork too. They should have no problem selling them off as condos. There are not many buildings in this city that can compare with all the historical attention to detail. I would choose this over a condo along Riverside any day of the week. I am surprised that a building in such great shape has been vacant for so long.
As for parking, the new owner also purchased a buildng two doors down, that he indends to make into parking if/when the units start selling. The building is a white 1960’s era place, I believe it’s Imperial Eyewear or something lke that…
This may be a dumb question, but why is it called “Medical Arts”?
Who were the original tenants?
Original tenants were doctors. Prime location right across the street from Hotel Dieu. I recall going there with my mom several times in the late 50s, early 60s. Must have been one of the upper floors because I remember being fascinated by the view more than anything else. Great work as always Andrew.
Original tenants were doctors. Prime location right across the street from Hotel Dieu. I recall going there with my mom several times in the late 50s, early 60s. Must have been one of the upper floors because I remember being fascinated by the view more than anything else. I believe there may have been a pharmacy on the ground floor, but maybe I’m dreamin’. Great work as always Andrew.
“As for parking, the new owner also purchased a buildng two doors down, that he indends to make into parking if/when the units start selling. The building is a white 1960’s era place, I believe it’s Imperial Eyewear or something lke that…”
wait wait wait…….this can’t be right. you mean he’s NOT going to demolish the two old homes immediatly south of the building?!?!?!?!?! you mean this guy has the silly notion to preserve the old…..and destroy the 60’s garbage????? sure hope he puts nicer windows in there though. you know, the kind that open.
i for one, am incredibly impressed! i vote this dude for mayor!
I remember this building well. Our family doctor (Wong) was on the 4th floor. Remember hopping up there with a broken leg in 1966 and he helped me over to the Dieu for a cast. Beautiful building. Will be glad to see the renovation.
I went to the doctor in this building in the late 60’s, early 70’s when I was very young. The waiting room had a fireplace and huge leather chairs that would hiss air out from cushons when you would sit on them. To small boy the building looked and smelled very spooky.
2013, and it’s STILL under renovation with boarded up windows. And they did demolish the house to the south (left) of the building.