A break for Bud's building?

 

Cento Commercial Inc. has purchased what some of us old-timers still call the "Bud Gowan building" at 387 Clarence Street. Starting in November 2026, they say they'll convert the structure into 12 apartments upstairs with a commercial space on the main floor. The renovation will cost about $2 million, but Cento has apparently completed many projects around Ontario. There's a good chance they'll get it done.  

It's about time this building was fixed up. Way back in 2012, I reported on John Fyfe-Millar's attempt at rejuvenating the structure. In 2017, lawyer Ian Jonstone purchased the building, hoping to turn it into a boutique hotel. Neither project gathered steam. 

Built in 1892 as the Featherbone Corset Company, this yellow-brick Victorian once had a theatre next to it, which became an Arcade, which was torn down to become a parking lot. The result is a gaunt, free-standing tower that looks a bit lost without neighbours.

In the 1970s, the old factory was taken over by Bud Gowan, who operated one of London's premier antique stores there until 2012. Mr. Gowan added ornamental wooden spindles and a stained-glass church window to add a touch of class. Not to mention his iconic mural on the south side, which Cento plans to preserve:

Bud Gowan's iconic mural at 387 Clarence Street.

I wouldn't mind if they also preserved the "ghost sign" on the north side: 

The battle-scarred north side.

This is great stuff. Not only do we need housing, but, as I've said before, it makes perfect sense to recycle vacant buildings into residential units. If this works out, maybe Cento will renovate a few more! Let's keep our fingers crossed. Downtown could use a break.

A New Old Building Downtown

Bud Gowan, owner of Bud Gowan Antiques, is retiring at last. While London will miss both the man and his store, at least we don't have to wonder what will happen to his historic building. 387 Clarence Street has been sold to John and Nancy Fyfe-Millar who plan to renovate most of it into apartments. It's positive news for an historic building in the core area.

Built in 1892 for the Featherbone Corset Company, the structure has had many uses over the years. In the 1940s and 50s it was home to London Shoe Company, as evidenced by the cool "ghost sign" high on the north side. What are ghost signs, you ask? They're faded signs painted years ago by former business owners on older commercial buildings. They provide us with interesting links to London's retail and manufacturing history.

Update, August 19, 2013 - For more details on ghost signs see this London Free Press article.

Update,  September 14, 2013 - The Fyfe-Millars held an open house late this afternoon so guests could view the building after Phase 1 of its restoration. Visitors descended to the basement to view the foundations, then climbed the circular stairs to inspect the second, third, and fourth floors. Some folks had a ride in the elevator - London's oldest, shown at left - which is truly an experience in itself. We also had the opportunity to sign a guest book that was enclosed in a lined soft cover salvaged during the restoration.

Rumour has it the ground floor may become a bistro or bar while commercial space will be available on the second floor. An excellent opportunity for a business wishing to locate in the core. Many thanks to John and Nancy for providing us with a chance to prowl inside a great building!

Update, September 2015: The reconstruction project will begin in October and is to be called The Featherbone Building after the corset company. Bravo John and Nancy! This is all so much better than having a property owner slap his own name on the building and let it sit empty ...

Update, June 2021: OK, so this didn't happen. In 2017, a London lawyer bought the building with plans for conversion to a boutique hotel. That didn't happen either and the building is sitting empty.