Louvre Hotel

The second storey accommodation was reflected in the change of name to the Louvre Hotel by 1909. The hotel was located adjacent to the Bijou Family Theatre (1908-1945), and would have provided accommodation for touring performers and those who came to patronize the theatre. In 1908, a tobacconist and barber had set up business, but subsequent downturns in the economy after 1913 led to rapid changes in tenancy. The most common uses were as a confectionery or restaurant.

From 1945 to the 1970s, the building housed several gospel missions and cafes, including Wings Cafe which has operated on the ground floor since the late 1960s.

In 2016, demolition and construction at the site next door (333 Carrall Street) damaged the foundation of 325 Carrall Street and caused a crack running up the façade.  The gospel mission and the community shower area they run in the building had to be shut down temporarily, and it took the mission six months to repair the shower area. A developer now owns both 325 and 333 Carrall Street and as of June 2018, two new buildings (one 5 storey and one 7 storey) are planned for the site.  The heritage principal façade of 325 Carrall Street will be restored and retained as part of the new development.  The brick wall in the lane will be reconstructed with salvaged bricks, while the rest of the building will be demolished.  The new development will have commercial spaces on the ground floor with 38 housing units and 12 micro units above.

Source

Canada's Historic Places, VHF's Places That Matter Community History Resource

More information

http://www.historicplaces.ca/en/rep-reg/place-lieu.aspx?id=8272&pid=0