Last occupied by the Drive Magazine, who has since moved on, this commercial building dating to about 1870, is one of the last remnants of the type of buildings that once lined the streets of Downtown Windsor.
The building contains some old architectural elements not seen in other buildings around town, like these cast iron steel columns flanking the entrance.
However, years of neglect are taking their toll on the building, as you can see, it’s badly in need of a repointing job.
Thankfully, someone took it upon themselves to smash out the lights out front.
This building was once located directly across from the railway roundhouses on the riverfront.
The 1919 through 1924 City Directories, lists the building as being home to Romeo H. Marentette Vulcanizing, Tires and Accessories.
An ad from 1925.
Hopefully someone fixes it up and it gets rented for retail use before it’s too late for this one too.
OK, just so I get the placement right, the building’s across Riverside from the location of the CN/Wabash roundhouse between the ferry slips and Walkerville, correct? Turntable pit still there?
Glad you featured it. Always loved this building and wondered about it, sitting there vacant, a reminder of the days when Riverside/Sandwich st. was the main commercial route before Ouellette took over that job.
Speaking of a repointing job, it’s a little too late for this house in Detroit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3p7G4hpvUn4
Is this building up for sale anywhere?
That would be awesome if you went in there and took some pictures eh??
Doug – yes, right location. Pit, long gone…
Mike, not for sale that I know of.
I grew up in an old house right next to this building. The building was occupied by National Fumigating as long as I lived next to it (1954-1970). Nice to see that it hasn’t been torn down!
I worked there for a very short bit helping with paperwork to get some job experience while I was in high school. I was also in the apt. upstairs a couple of times. It had a neat balcony connecting 2 structures.
I’m interested in purchasing this building, is if for sale?
My Gr. Grandparents, Edard Tracey and Bridget Tracey, had a home next to this building on Riverside dr. It was a legal duplex that they built after moving from their far in Lakeshore back at the beginning of the 20th century. That house was occupied by my Grandmother’s sisters until 1946 and it was sold by the estate. It burned to down I think in the 1970’s and was torn down. The colour of the home was always a dark brown.
My Gr. Grandparents, Edward Tracey and Bridget Tracey, had a home next to this building on Riverside dr. It was a legal duplex that they built after moving from their far in Lakeshore back at the beginning of the 20th century. That house was occupied by my Grandmother’s sisters until 1946 and it was sold by the estate. It burned to down I think in the 1970’s and was torn down. The colour of the home was always a dark brown.
My Gr. Grandparents, Edward Tracey and Bridget Tracey, had a home next to this building on Riverside dr. It was a legal duplex that they built after moving from their farm in Lakeshore back at the beginning of the 20th century. That house was occupied by my Grandmother’s sisters until 1946 and it was sold by the estate. There was a fire I think in the 1970’s and what was left afterwards was torn down. The colour of the home was always a dark brown.
The information above indicates two distinct addresses; #701 and #711.
Do you have any idea when or why the address changed?
Thanks.