The Robert Simpson Company
Robert Simpson (1834-1897) emigrated to Canada from Inverness, Scotland. In 1856, he opened a dry-goods store on Yonge Street north of Queen in 1872, but in 1881 re-located and began to extend his holdings in this block. Here in 1894 Simpson built a six-storey department store designed by Edmund Burke (1857-1919), which was destroyed by fire shortly after occupancy. A new building by the same architect opened in January 1896, and was the first "fireproofed" store in Canada. Classical forms in harmony with the structural system relate it to the contemporary "Chicago School" style. By 1923 all street facades had been unified by successive additions. In 1929 the "Art Deco" style building, including the Arcadian court, was added at Bay and Richmond. This addition was designed by Chapman & Oxley. During 1977 a restoration and conservation programme was instituted.
Plaque via Alan L. Brown's site Toronto Plaques. Full page here.