Discovering the rich history and architectural evolution of 1067 Yonge Street is like peeling back layers of time. While her story began decades ago, Dewson became an integral part of her revitalization in 2019.
In 2018, Aubrey Dan, CEO of Dancap Family Investment Office and one half of the Aubrey & Marla Dan Foundation, was looking for a new head office. Outgrowing his current space in north Toronto, Aubrey was encouraged by his real estate agent to look at the century-old Jarvis House at 1067 Yonge Street in mid-town Toronto. It was rich in history and heritage. When Aubrey went for a viewing, he saw 1067 as a gem in the rough and he believed that with the right amount of nurturing and restoration, it could be brought back to life in all its grand glory and functionality.
Looking back at its storied past, The Jarvis House took pride of place in an affluent neighbourhood. Built in 1914 for Jennie Elizabeth Jarvis, widow of Lieutenant-Colonel Salter Mountain Jarvis, the house was constructed in the Georgian Revival style popular in Toronto at that time. It used locally sourced material that had become iconic in Rosedale homes, including John Price red brick and Madoc Township grey slate.
A Multi-use Space
After it was sold by Jarvis in 1928, the property went through several transitions over the next few decades. In 1951, coming out of the Second World War and ongoing economic recession, a three-storey addition was added to the rear of the original house and converted to commercial office space. However, the addition hadn’t been built to the same standards nor did it use the same quality of materials as the house itself. Shortly after, the Toronto chapter of the Goethe-Institute acquired the property, becoming the home for its offices, library and teaching centre until the 1970s. During the last 50 years, the property accommodated a succession of commercial tenants until Aubrey first laid eyes on it.
He was immediately smitten with 1067 Yonge Street. In his mind, Aubrey was already contemplating the vision for his new office and the home for his foundation. “I want to revive the existing Jarvis house against a backdrop of leading-edge building technology,” Aubrey expressed during one of our earlier meetings.
Rather than a slick, woke interior with minimal, transient workstations, ping-pong tables, and bean bag chairs, the philanthropist wanted something that felt like a cozy library or study. A place where guests and clients would feel as comfortable in 1067 as in Aubrey’s house. A building that has residential appeal, one that felt like home. In Aubrey’s words, “I want the building to feel like home, a home office.” To accomplish this, he turned to Bill Dewson and his team, who are committed to creating sustainable legacies with beautiful, tailored designs.
A Sustainable Architectural Legacy
The idea of restoring the Jarvis House to its former glory is an excellent foundation for this aesthetic. The property is in a great location, it has historical building cache, and it sits on land that allows for sufficient expansion to meet Aubrey’s and his company’s functional needs. It checked off all the boxes for the future home of the Dancap Family Investment Office and Aubrey & Marla Dan Foundation.
Over the next few years, 1067 Yonge Street will be converted from a rundown forgotten building to a prized centrepiece in this metropolitan – a shining example of sustainable commercial development. It is going to take a village to see it through, but the team behind this endeavour is determined to make it happen.
This is the story of the revitalization of 1067 Yonge Street and Dewson Architects’ role during this incredible journey.
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