December 18, 2003 | Goodbye Queen Antiques
I moved into the neighbourhood in 1994. That was seven years ago. In the meantime it has evolved from the relatively unknown polish district, to the now trendy West Queen West. We even have street signage to prove it, with the introduction of the WQW emblem in it's centre, so as not to be confused with the even trendier Queen Street West. When we first became tenants in the Landsdowne and Queen district, our favourite Sunday morning activity was to peruse the antique stores finding many bargains for our new home (although I have to confess that most of our furniture was rescued before garbage day pick up). As this Sunday morning activity became popular not only with the locals, but with shoppers from all over the city, the area has declined. No longer affordable, the merchandise is now changing with the times ... retro is now taking over. Queen antiques has now departed, one of the few stores left that displayed objects so beautiful and rustic, they could be considered found art. I shouldn't despair. With each additional coffee shop that opens, the value of my home increases, and I find myself living in one of the most sought after areas in Toronto. Who would have thought, when seven years ago my husband and I were arguing in the car over a property we were about to view, and I said "It's not like we are going to buy a house today". And we did.
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