Postal Station K sits at 2384 Yonge Street a couple of blocks north of Eglinton Avenue. The stunning, simple building (in need of window restoration), is a great example of stripped classicism with Art Deco touches. The building opened in 1936 as the Dominion Public Building with a design by architect Murray Brown. A rare insignia of King Edward VIII, who abdicated the throne after less than eleven months as monarch, appears front and centre above the entrance. The building also stands on the site of Montgomery's Tavern, where William Lyon Mackenzie rallied his supporters during the rebellion of 1837, an event recounted by an historical plaque in the building's forecourt. The site has long been a neighbourhood gathering place.

Postal Station K/Dominion Public Building, image by Bob Krawczyk, courtesy of tobuilt.ca

In 2012 Canada Post put the building up for sale. Worried that this would bring about the demise of the structure, concerned locals staged rallies and created a petition in an effort to save the building. Toronto City Council subsequently passed a resolution designating the front portion of Postal Station K along with its forecourt as a heritage property.

View of the front door and insignia of Postal Station K, image by UrbanToronto Forum member ShonTron

Now owned by developer The Rockport Group, they have indicated their intention to work with City heritage staff and the community to retain the front of the building, while demolishing the rear portion of the structure to construct a residential tower on the property. The plan would also include an enhancement of the public area in front of the building.

Detail, Postal Station K/Dominion Public Building, image by Bob Krawczyk, courtesy of tobuilt.ca

Detail, Postal Station K/Dominion Public Building, image by Bob Krawczyk, courtesy of tobuilt.ca

UrbanToronto looks forward to the forthcoming proposal, and we will keep you up-to-date on the details when the architect, landscape architect, and heritage consultants are named.

