The Jolly Miller

The Miller Tavern is a Yonge Street landmark and an important component of the historic York Mills Valley. Built in 1857 and formerly called the York Mills Hotel, the building is typical rural commercial structure. It was a focal point for the Mill Village and a stopping place for the mail stage and omnibus between Toronto and Richmond Hill. In 1930 it was remodelled and renamed "The Jolly Miller" and is the only 19th century commercial structure remaining on its original site in the North York area.

Although significantly altered by additions and modernizations, much of its original massing remained intact. With a number of historic photographs available as documentary evidence, it was possible to describe missing elements and confirm the original appearance of the building with certainty. Work on the project included repair of the exterior, restoration of the missing elements, development of approaches to incorporate extant materials in the design, and general guidance on the merger of new and old components of the project. The completion of the restoration provides for a resumption of the original use of the building while demonstrating a commitment to heritage preservation enabling this 19th century hub of the community to again serve in the 21st century.

Zak Ghanim Architect Planner Inc. were the architects of record and interior designs were prepared by Peter Cotton of Sunburst Design.