Want to own a piece of Perth's History?

ARticle by Cathy james-Cat's Cove Communications

​Location: Corner of Gore and Herriot streets, downtown Perth
Realtor Overview: This is certainly one of Perth’s most prestigious stone buildings in the centre of the downtown core. The Royal Bank is a long-standing tenant that occupies the entire main floor. There are 13 residential units which all have very unique characteristics with high ceilings, gorgeous hardwood flooring, original trim and high baseboards. Each unit has a very special view – some of the park and Tay River, others with great views of beautiful historic downtown Perth. The building offers a very strong tenant base with virtually no vacancies. See the Realtor Listing
The History: Take a look at the middle image from 1910. Yes, that’s the same building location! This building originally housed the James & Reid Hardware store and Farmer Boot & Shoe store. The James & Reid Hardware Store was a popular spot throughout the 20th century. The bottom photo was taken in 1912. James & Reid moved down the street by that time.

Location: Gore Street at Tay Basin
Realtor Overview: Circa 1931, the Crain building is a local landmark. Absolute prime downtown location in historic Perth, directly across from Town Hall & Stewart Park, backing onto an unrestricted view of the Tay Basin. Very well maintained two-storey building with full lower level – secure file storage, staff kitchen, commercial men's/ladies' washrooms. Main floor with grand main entry plus second full entry to Gore Street, men's/ladies washrooms and excellent professional offices. Second level with 10 offices, board room, kitchenette, men’s/ladies washrooms and secure vault. 8 parking spaces included, adjacent to public parking lot. Heating, cooling systems, windows, electrical, doors, interior finish all very recent. Very solid investment! See the Realtor Listing.
The history: Erected in 1932 to house the Post Office on the ground floor and Canada Customs and caretaker’s residence on the second floor, before it eventually turned into commercial real estate. The building is owned by the Crain family, which housed the Crain and Schooley Insurance Company for years. Its backyard is literally a view of the Tay Basin and it’s right across the street from Town Hall and Stewart Park. Look at that classic car in the photo *swoon*

​ 
Location: Corner of Gore and Harvey streets
Realtor’s breakdown: Excellent downtown location with ample parking. This grand stone building consists of 9 residential units and one long-standing commercial tenant. There are 4 one bedroom units, 4 two bedroom units and a bachelor apartment. Located on the corner of Gore Street & Harvey Street, walking distance to all amenities. Rent roll, income and expenses available upon request. All residential tenants are month-to-month. Many of the original features still in place with high baseboards, hardwood floors, high ceilings and original interior shutters. See the Realtor's Listing
The history: Daniel Daverne used to live in this building. You’ve likely never heard of him, but he was a wanted man (or some may say, a scapegoat) from the town’s earliest days. Here’s why:
Because Perth was a military settlement, the army brought a superintendent, Daniel Daverne into Perth to be in charge of land grants and town provisions, as well as funds; in 1820, he mysteriously disappeared in the middle of the night only for the town to find out later that there were no funds left.
Of course, this made Daverne look very suspicious; many years later, when O’Reilly’s was moving into this building, they started a construction project to expose the original stone underneath an outer plaster layer; when they removed the outer layer, out fell Daniel Daverne’s journal! Many people thought that this would provide answers to the Daverne mystery.
The journal did not end up providing many answers as to what exactly happened to Daniel Daverne; however, there is now speculation that it was the military that spent most of the funds, and simply pinned it on Daverne, as he was low ranking; Daverne then got out of town before the people retaliated.
 *
So, interested, yet? We have completely fallen for the romance of historic buildings and the stories that lie within them; and we thought you would, too.