91Ô­´´

Size: 44.16 x 126 square feet

This “landmark office mansion” at . was designed by famous 91Ô­´´ architect Edward James Lennox, who later went on to design Casa Loma and Old City Hall. Initially constructed as a private residence, the house was designed in 1886 and finished in 1891.

The historical building is the first and finest example of 91Ô­´´’s “Annex style” homes, the property’s listing agent Howard Lende said. Annex style homes, unique to a few prominent streets and originated in The Annex, combine elements of British Queen Anne and American Romanesque Revival architecture.

Currently, the property houses a public relations company, offering 12 offices on three floors and four bathrooms, with eight parking spots at the back of the building. The offices, Lende said, are “enhanced by the large open space and character of the building.” .

The property can be used for commercial or residential purposes. Lende said the property has the potential to be used for several commercial purposes, like boutique hotel, private school, medical clinic, financial services or corporate head offices.

The finished basement of the property spans approximately 2,000 square feet, while the property has 5,700 square feet area above grade, said Lende. The building can also be expanded by approximately 2,000 square feet.

The building’s exterior features rounded arches, soaring gables and recessed porches, while the interior showcases the grandeur of very high ceilings in the entrance.

The house also feature castlelike woodwork detailing along with stained glass panels.

The property at 37 Madison Ave. comes with a rich history. The house was built by and for Lewis Lukes, a well-known contractor and builder, who built this for his own use as a residential property.

The building was constructed before electric power came to the street and it still has remnants of the original gas light fixtures, adding character to the property. It has now been updated with 600 amp electricity service, Lende said.

The house was among the first two properties on the street that received commercial zoning in the 1970s, the other being 14 Madison Ave. that now houses the Madison Pub.

Timothy Eaton, after whom the Eaton Centre is named, lived up the street in the initial days, Lende said.

Lende added that the street on which the property is located is one of the very few streets in the area that has commercial zoning, which is restricted to one block north of Bloor to Lowther.

Lende added that the street is seeing more developments with two new projects under construction at Bloor Street: an Estonian heritage centre that will feature a “magnificent modern glass structure” and a condo building that will incorporate the facade of the historic Bloor Street United Church.