Built in Second Empire style for grocer John H. Meyer. Now the popular restaurant Pennies. Threatened with application to demolish as part of a parcel for development, 111, 115, 127 Strachan.

Nominated as a Heritage Property by Manager of ACO TOBuilt, Pauline Walters who conducted in-depth research on the history of the building and its architect, to urge its listing or designation under the Ontario Heritage Act. 

Backed by a letter from ACO Toronto Chair, Matt Zambri to Toronto and East York Community Council, which included: “ACOTO recommends that the City oppose demolition. This building is not currently Heritage Listed or Designated, however this does not discount its historic value, especially its being in proximity to the historic Palace Arms at King Street West and Strachan Avenue. The City should work with the current owners to reconsider demolition and encourage its reuse or incorporation into any future development and unlock its potential. Not only would demolition of the building be a loss to the community and the City as whole, it would contribute to building demolition waste and loss of quality materials.”

Backed also by letter from Paul Farrelly, Chair Toronto and East York Community Preservation Panel which included: “I am writing on behalf of the Panel to urge councillors to refuse the application to demolish the existing 3-storey mixed use building because there is no permit to replace the building on the site at this time; and move to list this building on the heritage register and conduct an evaluation under Ontario Regulation 9/06.”

In addition to these communications 4,748 people signed a change.org petition to save the building.

February 26, 2021: At Toronto and East York Community Council meeting, where the 127 Strachan Avenue demolition application was to be discussed, it was announced that the application had been withdrawn. According to the City website, there will be no further action taken on this matter.

Organisers of the petition note: “This is a big win, but it is not the end of the road. 127 Strachan Ave. still does not hold any heritage status that would protect it from demolition in the future.”