A while back we took a look at this building located on the south west corner of Chatham & Pelissier Streets. Recently I uncovered this rendering of the building that appeared in the Evening Record, May 30, 1917. Along with the rendering the following article also appeared:
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In keeping with the service maintained elsewhere the Studebaker Corporation of Canada, Ltd., are erecting a modern three-story building at the corner of Chatham and Pelissier streets, Windsor. For some time past the concern has been unable to give the service that they desired owing to improper quarters, but with the completion of their new service station they will be in a position to give their owners the same service that has become famous in other localities.
The building which will be of reinforced concrete construction with brick facing will be three storeys high. The fireproof scheme has been carried out to the minutest detail, thus insuring the maximum in safety. Steam heat will be used. The flood lighting system used for the display windows will make the rooms very attractive at night.
The first floor will be used for minor repairs, and sales room; the second devoted to commercial trucks, while the third will be used for repairs. A suitable elevator will be installed.
G. Jacques & Co., with offices in the Hydro Building, adjoining the new Studebaker site, are the architects, while the R. Westcott Construction Co. have the contract for the job.
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I find it so strange that 3 story buildings are service stations! Granted cars were half the weight they are now when this was built.
Studebaker didn’t stay very long in this building. I wonder why?
Thanks Andrew!
The description of this building sounds familiar to me. In the very early 80’s I was employed by a local engineering firm. I and a couple other employees were sent to a building in this general location (as I recall) to measure it up in order to make some proposal drawings for a client who intended to convert the lower two floors into a pub/restaurant (Cadillac Jacks?). The building was vacant at that time and actually quite eerie looking in the interior. There was evidence of vagrants having taken up residence in there which left us all uneasy that they might return at any time while we went about our work. In one corner of the building there was a huge elevator shaft which I was told was intended for the moving of vehicles — a fact that I found quite remarkable such that I can clearly recall peering down the shaft to this day. I left the employ of this firm before any renovations took place. Can someone tell me if this building was the site of a former Cadillac Jacks or some name similar to that?
Vicki – it did become Cadillac Jack’s.
Thanks for confirming that, Andrew. I also vaguely recall being told that one of the upper floors had been used as some kind of a dance school or by some other type of performing arts group. The entire place was in considerable disrepair at the time so it appears that recent ownership has gone to considerable lengths to make improvements.
That was the old Baum and Brody furniture store when I was a child.
Across the street from the Windsor Star building