Opportunity “Locks.” Muskoka’s most photographed and renowned building has hit the market with a splash. The historic Muskoka Emporium building, home to The world-famous Port Carling mural, is for sale.
The instantly recognizable 34 x 14 metre steamship mural, “The Wall,” comprised of over 9,000 photographs of Port Carling taken between 1860 and 1960, is just the beginning of what this property has to offer. In addition to an occupied commercial boutique space on the main floor, there is a lower warehouse walk-out level that may accommodate future development. The upper floor has been converted into a stunning luxury loft apartment on par with anything in the most sought-after buildings of downtown Toronto.
Ideally located in the beating heart of Muskoka, the Emporium building overlooks the Port Carling locks connecting Lake Rosseau and Lake Muskoka and is central to the town’s thriving commerce, entertainment, and restaurants. As they have for over a century, large sightseeing ships continue to pass through the locks today, bringing throngs of tourists past the Muskoka Emporium building.
Aside from drawing visitors for its iconic wall and commercial offerings, the building plays its part in the living history of Port Carling. After the original circa 1880s building, known as the Hanna Store, was consumed by a devastating fire in 1931, the building was rebuilt the following year. Today the warehouse level houses part of the original River Walk wall as well as the conveyor belt used to move goods to the main-floor level when the building operated as an I.G.A. grocery store in the mid-to-late twentieth century.
For the loft, property owners Angie and Tom O’Hara were assisted with interior design services by their friend, Toronto designer Margie Doyle of Doyle Design. No detail has been left unattended, and no expense spared. With four bedrooms, each with an exquisite ensuite, a caterer’s kitchen with high-end finishings, and an 1,800-square-foot deck overlooking Indian River, this 3,500-square-foot cosmopolitan dream is perfectly set up for lavish entertaining and intimate gatherings.
In recent years, the entire building has been significantly renovated, with the result that a thread of tasteful, elegant, and luxurious style weaves through and ties together each component. On the main floor, boutique commercial spaces project classic Muskoka elegance and industrial chic with distressed natural wood floors, exposed brick and pipes, and extensive tailored millwork. Currently occupied by a variety of respected vendors, this commercial space can be modified to expand or reduce the footprint of individual retailers. A new fire egress has also been added, as well as enough public washrooms to meet the requirements
of a restaurant, should that be desired.
Taking everything into account, from the landmark mural on its side to the reliability of commercial revenue to the unequalled one-of-its-kind loft residence, the Muskoka Emporium building represents an opportunity not likely to come along again, and not to be taken for granted. If you are interested in discussing the prospect of becoming a part of this historic building’s next chapter, contact Angie* or Tom** O’Hara, details below.
Angie O’Hara • 705.205.3752 • [email protected]
Tom O’Hara • 705.205.3235 • [email protected]
*Angie O’Hara is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the province of Ontario.
**Tom O’Hara is a licensed Real Estate Sales Representative in the province of Ontario.
