1394 Queen Street East

Imagination’s Home

Renovated, Revenue, Inspiration

1394 QSE has undergone many transformations since it’s construction just after the turn of the last century. In 2005 it was tired and sad: at its pinnacle, it was home to The Delicious Snack bar, a renowned tiny storefront front greasy spoon. But it required a re-visioning.  The sheer volume of space, height, location and windows aplenty, stole a creative young man’s imagination. He undertook massive renovations, maintained the rear apartment and operated his business from the street front offices.  The home was reborn with open layouts, sun pouring in from all directions, refreshed walls, floors, ceilings and lighting and all major mechanical and infrastructure replaced or updated.

The home breathed new life; two children born under its tall peaked roof. Tenants married, some to have families of their own. A decade passed, during which the home storefront’s Use changed (City/MPAC) and the commercial designation was converted to residential thus reducing the tax burden and providing better financing options, but the site’s zoning (MRC) still allowed enormous flexibility for growth, development and various Uses.

In 2008 the home’s weakest link, the rear apartment, was demolished and rebuilt from scratch. A two-level addition (engineered for multiple additional levels) provides the second entertainment terrace for the main unit, complete with hot tub, gas barbeque and walk-in storage room.  The addition was a testament to the flexibility of this house; an array of radiant heating (classic and modern rads, towel warmer and in-floor heating) are zoned electronically and each unit has separate wireless thermostatic control. New water lines within and without (1”), sewers rooted and replaced, 200amp service, new roof, windows, and now a new facade so the next owners can begin their tenure with calm confidence, excellent revenues and still so many options for the future.

1394 yearns for those who crave privacy and quietude woven seamlessly into the urban Queen Street mosaic. It yearns for creative folks that will usher author the next chapter for this wonderful home.