Dempsey Bros Store

Built in 1860 the Dempsey Bros. Store has served the region, now the core of North York, for 135 years. Uses of the building have been varied, a general store, a coach stop, post office, gas station and hardware store.

This large brick building was relocated, in one piece, to a new site in a park on the west side of Beecroft Avenue at Ellerslie Avenue, thus preserving this 1860 structure as an 'artifact'. The site was developed as a showcase urban park, a finely detailed urban respite which, showcases the historic building.

The building has been restored to a late 19th century appearance, based on historic photographs. This included the reconstruction of a large porch missing for many years. The interior of the building was adapted for the use of the City of North York Archives. To enhance this use, a small rear addition of stairs, lift, services and a high climate controlled basement storage facility were added.

Moving of the building was a requirement of the project in order to free up the site of the new Sheppard Subway interchange. The building was blocked and braced and jacked onto a steel carriage. The move which occurred on a cold day in January tested both men and machinery on a difficult journey to its new site.