Drug Trading Company Building

Constructed between 1942 and 1946, the Drug Trading Company office building at 25 Ontario Street features a brick and stone façade designed by Margison and Babcock Engineers. Their façade design reflects both Art Deco and Streamline Moderne influences.

In 2011, ERA was engaged to oversee the heritage planning and approvals process for the building’s adaptive reuse and the redevelopment of the surrounding site. Working in close collaboration with the design team, led by Sweeny & Co., ERA developed a strategy that retained the primary elevations and distinctive three-dimensional character of this prominent corner property, while repurposing and adapting the site for its new use.

The heritage approach also created valuable opportunities to reinstate original features that had been lost or altered over time, including decorative metal entrance doors, pinned metal signage, and T-profile steel windows.

From 2019 to 2025, ERA guided the implementation of stabilization and conservation work, preparing detailed contract documents through the design and procurement phases, and providing contract administration throughout construction. ERA worked closely with specialty trades to deliver custom components, including replica entry doors and signage that remained true to the building’s historic character.

 By balancing material repair, sensitive alterations, and reinstatement of original design elements, the adaptive reuse strategy achieved both conservation integrity and functional renewal of the Drug Trading Company Building.