2000

EXCELLENCE IN RESTORATION
531 Parliament Street

Renovators: Jimmy and Gus Petsis

Historical Information: The Winchester Hotel was built in 1861and expanded in 1887. According to City records, John McCaffrey established the Santa Claus Tavern as the first business at the southeast corner of Parliament and Winchester. It was later renamed the Lake View House and then taken over by tavern keeper John Ayre in 1876.  Ayre expanded it into one of Toronto’s finest hotels at the time and garnered lavish praise for its modern conveniences and stunning view of the lake.

Reason for Award: Only the second commercial building to receive a CPA Award, the Winchester Hotel was recognized for both exterior and interior renovations, including cleaning of the red brick facades and installing new ceilings in the bar rooms.