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Heritage hit for Hudson’s Bay

What The Robert Simpson Company Store at 176 Yonge (currently occupied by Hudson’s Bay Company), built in 1894 and designed by Edmund Burke, is one of the citys best examples of the Chicago School of Architecture style.

Why Alterations approved by the citys Preservation Board May 28 to make way for Saks Fifth Avenue store and restaurant/bar include: new display windows at Yonge and Queen reconfiguration of the southeast corner of the building at Yonge and Richmond with removal of angled display window and revolving doors (non-original) as well as the relocation of the war memorial located in hexagon-shaped vestibule, which features a hexagonal column, etched glass and Art Deco metal work. A portion of the marble wall on the west side of the lobby will also be removed for an elevator. Hudson’s Bay will be relocated to the western half of the building.

Distinguishing architectural features Pink granite piers, copper cornice, bay windows, elaborate arched entranceways, interior Art Deco stylings. “An outstanding example of late 19th-century commercial design,” says the Preservation Board’s report to council.

Background A major Toronto landmark representing the history of retail trade in Canada listed on citys List of Heritage properties in 1976. The original Simpson’s department store on the site was destroyed by fire. It was rebuilt in the original style and was the first building in Canada at the time to use fireproof construction. Numerous additions followed in 1900, 1908, 1923 and 1928. The 33-storey Simpson’s tower built at Bay and Queen in 1968 was the last major addition to the building.

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