Perks of being a Sunflower

When you look at older building, different styles evoke different feelings.

 A SoCal Spanish colonial villa is relaxing. A Cotswold English cottage is warm. The New York Chrysler building is art deco “OG” luxurious.

This bright yellow Second Empire style building is happiness with a roof and windows. The black and yellow sunflower colors bring joy and positivity to anyone passing by, may it be a hot summer day or during cold arctic winter.

It has that “love at first sight” charm that draws customer in. If you type in 127 Strachan Ave on Google map, the description literally says “Bar with colorful yellow exterior serving local beers and drinks”.

Even before being painted yellow, 127 Strachan has always been a “sunflower” in the neighborhood, in the business of bringing joy and laughter the neighbors.

It was first used by John H Meyer as a grocer and it has been used as restaurants and bars ever since, serving people nearby.

This building is designed by a great commercial Scottish architect, David Dick. He also helped designed many banks, gasworks structures and great mansions like the Spadina Estate in Toronto.

Second Empire buildings are known for the Mansard roof. Being a square-ish gambrel shape, with the elliptical dormers, they maximize the interior space, making the building fit for commercial use even in today’s 21^st century.

The real perk of this sunflower is as the store sign suggests, all smiles and just be happy.

127 Strachan Avenue, Toronto