MARKHAM ST CONDO SIGNAGE

 

📍 Location: 610 Markham St, Toronto
🎨 Medium: Hand-painted signage and mural
⏳ Timeframe: 1.5 days for exterior painting
👨‍🎨 Team Size: 2 painters working continuously
🚧 Techniques Used: Faux painting, vinyl stencils, telescopic ladder for accessibility

This project was part of the Markham House City Building Lab, an initiative created to inform the public about the proposed condominium development on the former site of Honest Ed’s, a beloved Toronto landmark. The goal was to retain the charm and small-scale storefront appeal of Markham Street while introducing a modern development.

Markham House wanted hand-painted signage throughout the building to evoke a sense of community and connection with the neighborhood. The project involved both exterior and interior signage, each designed to complement the historic and artistic character of Mirvish Village.

EXTERIOR DESIGN & PAINTING PROCESS

Main Signage & Balloon Mural

✔ The main signage, reading “Markham House,” was hand-painted in a bold, cursive font in vibrant blue to stand out against the white brick façade.
✔ A playful balloon mural was painted on the front door, featuring red, yellow, and blue balloons floating upward. This design aimed to create an inviting, cheerful entrance that would catch the attention of passersby.

Surface Preparation & Faux Painting

✔ The building’s façade had been previously painted, providing a suitable substrate for the mural and signage.
✔ A faux painting technique was applied to subtly age the paint, making it appear as though the signage had been part of the building for years.

Precision Techniques & Equipment Used

✔ Vinyl stencils were used for crisp, accurate lettering.
✔ A telescopic ladder in an A-frame setup was required to reach higher sections, with one side’s legs extended to accommodate the uneven brick steps leading up to the entrance.
✔ The entire exterior painting process took a day and a half, with two artists continuously working on-site to complete the mural and signage efficiently.

INTERIOR SIGNAGE & PORTABLE SIGNS

In addition to the exterior artwork, three hand-painted portable signs were created for the interior of the building. These were designed and painted in our studio using MDF as the sign material, allowing for durability and easy placement inside the space.

One of the most unique pieces was the “Lemonade for Your Two Cents” sign, a playful invitation for public engagement. This sign encouraged visitors to share their thoughts on the redevelopment plans over a refreshing glass of lemonade—symbolizing both hospitality and an opportunity for their voices to be heard.

ABOUT MARKHAM HOUSE CITY BUILDING LAB

Markham House City Building Lab was created as a community hub to educate Toronto residents about the redevelopment of Honest Ed’s and its impact on Mirvish Village. Located in the heart of the neighborhood, Markham House provided a space for discussions about urban planning, community involvement, and the preservation of local heritage.

The goal of the proposed redevelopment was to create a vibrant, livable space that retained the character of the existing Markham Street storefronts while integrating new residential and commercial areas.

HISTORIC CONTEXT: HONEST ED’S & THE REDEVELOPMENT

The Legacy of Honest Ed’s

  • Opened in 1948 by Ed Mirvish, Honest Ed’s quickly became an iconic Toronto department store known for its flashing marquee lights, bargain deals, and theatrical personality.
  • It expanded significantly over the years, becoming a cultural landmark and a must-visit spot for locals and tourists alike.
  • Ed Mirvish was beloved for his annual birthday celebrations, where he would give away free meals, groceries, and prizes to the community.

Decline & Redevelopment

  • Following Ed Mirvish’s passing in 2007, the store began to decline as retail shopping habits changed.
  • The Mirvish family ultimately sold the property in 2013, leading to plans for redevelopment into a mixed-use residential and commercial space.
  • The new Mirvish Village project aimed to preserve the spirit of the original site while modernizing the area to meet contemporary urban needs.

FINAL IMPACT & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

🏡 Celebrating Local Character: The signage and murals at Markham House played a key role in maintaining a connection to the neighborhood’s history while introducing modern developments.

🎨 A Unique Community Hub: The hand-painted elements reflected the artistic identity of Mirvish Village, reinforcing a sense of place and community for residents and visitors.

📢 Encouraging Public Dialogue: Through engaging signage and interactive elements, Markham House successfully invited local input on the future of the neighborhood.

🚀 Blending the Past & Future: The final design honored the history of Honest Ed’s while embracing the exciting transformation of Markham Street into a contemporary urban space.

LOOKING FOR CUSTOM HAND-PAINTED SIGNAGE?

Our team specializes in custom mural painting and hand-painted signage, bringing unique character to both residential and commercial spaces.

🔹 Authentic, handcrafted designs
🔹 Meticulous attention to detail
🔹 Preserving history while embracing modern aesthetics

Want to learn more about how we can bring your vision to life?

👉 Visit our Mural Painting Page

Let’s create something meaningful together! 🎨✨