October 19th, 2017 – Ward 30 Councillor Paula Fletcher joined Baird MacGregor Insurance Brokers and other local businesses and residents today in congratulating Baird MacGregor on the extensive improvements to the face of its beautiful vintage building, which was built in 1915.
BEFORE Facade Improvement
AFTER Facade Improvement
“We are excited about making this investment in our building, and appreciate the contribution that the City of Toronto has made through its Façade Improvement Program,” said Philomena Comerford, CEO of Baird MacGregor. “Baird MacGregor is committed to the Riverside community.”
The complete project cost over $100,000 and includes new awnings and new windows. Baird MacGregor received the maximum grant of $12,500 from the City of Toronto through its Façade Improvement Program; these grants are only provided to businesses which are part of a Business Improvement Area (BIA). Baird MacGregor has been part of the Riverside community since 1988 and is an active member of the Riverside BIA.
Councillor Paula Fletcher, Ward 30 Toronto-Danforth shared that “The City of Toronto is pleased to partner with our BIAs and local businesses through the Facade Improvement program. This is another welcome change on vibrant, bustling Queen Street East.”
“We think our rejuvenated building looks great in the day time – and make sure to check it out when the lights are lit up in the night time! The new lighting brightens the whole block,” Comerford says. “We hope our inviting new façade, and initiatives to reach out to our neighbours and our community will remind them that we are here to serve them in getting the best, most cost-effective insurance products possible.”
“The Riverside BIA is excited to see this significant street scape investment within our neighbourhood, and to work together with Baird MacGregor on great community events, such as the annual Light Up Riverside, coming up on November 25th,” says Mitch Korman, Chair of the Riverside BIA.
Baird MacGregor is a full service commercial and personal insurance brokerage serving Toronto, the GTA and Southern Ontario. It has earned the faith and confidence of its clients over decades of building relationships based on innovation, education and collaboration.
Baird MacGregor’s building, situated at 825 Queen Street East, is a well preserved 20,000 square foot, 2-story brick and beam building featuring a 1950s style diner and a fully equipped gym for their staff’s use. The building’s predecessor businesses over the past century included Superior Homes Limited in the early 20’s, Wear Right Textile Company from 1923 to 1925, Slazengers sporting goods from 1925 to 1943, General Printing Ink from 1943 to 1973, Fairway Construction from 1978 to 1980 and Agincourt Productions, a VHS production company from 1983 to 1988. Dunlop Tire factory was situated across the street from 1905 to 1970 and was eventually replaced with Jimmie Simpson Recreation Centre and Jimmie Simpson Park, a 2.6 hectare urban green space.
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For more information contact
Rita Smith for Baird MacGregor, ritasmith@rogers.com 647 242 5505
Jennifer Lay, Executive Director, Riverside District BIA 416-466-8167 www.riverside-to.com