A little history of the Gummer Building courtesy of the Ward 2 City Councillor Blog:

1. The Gummer Building – Douglas (once known as the Brownlow Block until 1920’s) is the one further down Douglas with And Venus Smiled on the bottom level. Once operated by Harry Gummer, publisher of the Guelph Herald. Also once housed the operators and switchboards of Bell Telephone. Built late 1870’s.

2. Next door (south) 67-71 Wyndham – was the original Victoria Hotel Block. Built 1859-60 – the oldest of the three.

3. 65 Wyndham – West End Bakery. Built in the late 1860’s as part of a larger block. The southern portion of the block was demolished to build the CIBC in 1968 so this is last remaining portion of that block. It housed Stewarts Drug Store from 1891 until the West End Bakery moved there a few years ago.               

According to the reports, the situation is complicated, with multiple owners and varying degrees of damage to the buildings. The smaller facades have lost most of the structure behind and if they are to remain will need the steel ‘city hall’ supports right away to allow the demolition of the rear. The Gummer is structurally damaged mostly on the top two floors but is a trickier condition as the building is larger, taller and clean-up will be more awkward.

More photos on Flickr members: elledee, downtownlynn.