President and CEO LES MALLINS of Streetcar Developments has found success playing by the rules, avoiding the Ontario Municipal Board, consulting the locals, complementing the surrounding neighbhourhoods, and generally just fitting in. Streetcar’s well-known structures are placed strategically and exclusively downtown.

Mallins‘ latest project is the re-invention of the BROADVIEW HOTEL, 704 Queen Street East at Broadview Avenue. A Victorian landmark built in 1891, the Broadview until now has been home to Jilly’s strip club, with several floors of low-rent housing above. That’s about to change.

Streetcar’s first priorities: to address significant structural issues within the elderly building to make it safe. Then on to revive this Riverside landmark (home to Streetcar Developments itself) to “enhance the feel and livability of the community.” Les Mallins has given assurances that condominiums are not part of his plan.

<PHOTOS – Broadview Hotel aerial, Apple Maps; Broadview Hotel, 1940’s, City of Toronto Archives>