Downtown Collingwood is home to Creative Simcoe Street, a thriving arts and entertainment district that is home to over 30 independent and artistic businesses, including artists’ studios, a black box theatre, a dance studio, galleries, and hip indie restaurants. A notable heritage building located in the Creative Simcoe Street is the Tremont, a former hotel and tavern that was originally built in 1889. The Tremont was transformed fifteen years ago by Richard and Anke Lex, who sought to restore and revitalize the designated heritage building into a creative space for artists. Restoration of the 8,000 square foot former hotel building was completed in 2010, and it became home to artist studios, a restaurant, and an arts space, as well as four residences. The building’s restoration sparked further development of Simcoe Street into what today has become an arts district.
History of the Tremont
Throughout its history of 136 years, the Tremont has often been a source of intrigue for the locals. In the 1920s, the building nearly burned to the ground, and was followed by a court case of a possible arson attempt. The owners were ultimately acquitted, but the building’s ownership was lost. In the mid-20th century, the Tremont served as a hotel and tavern, but in the final two decades of the century, the building continued its decline. In 2005, the Town of Collingwood purchased the Tremont and announced plans to demolish it to create downtown parking spots.
This plan was challenged by the Architectural Conservancy Ontario’s Collingwood Branch, which argued for the preservation of Heritage district buildings. The advocacy was successful as it led to Richard and Anke Lex stepping up to reimagine and restore the former hotel into a creative hub for artists. Along with a new public library and the former Thomson Newspapers building converted into an arts complex, the foundation for a thriving arts district was paved. Creative Simcoe Street is today a thriving arts district that is home to multiple arts galleries, a hub for multidisciplinary artists, a destination for shops and services, and a venue for festivals and events. For the Architectural Conservancy Ontario, the Tremont represents a valuable example of heritage preservation and an important victory for the Town of Collingwood.
Why Collingwood?
Richard and Anke Lex moved to Collingwood in 1987. Anke was born and raised in Germany’s Rhine valley and moved to Canada as a young adult to take on new challenges.
Asked about why they chose Collingwood, Anke says, “For me, Collingwood has a European feel. The Town has an active downtown with cafés and stores and historic architecture, and that was the first thing that drew us to Collingwood, and we wanted to preserve that.” Richard adds, “We wanted to create an arts community where there is interaction and collaboration between the artists and the larger community.”
For a family who loves and practices the arts, the restoration of a heritage building for artistic purposes was meaningful on many levels. Tremont Studios are located on the second floor of The Tremont, with 10 working artists creating a wide range of artwork in the studios. Every second month, the hallways of the building serve as a gallery with new shows. The Tremont studios are open to the public by chance or appointment.
The Lexes make a point to note that they couldn’t have done the restoration project without support from the local community and Town of Collingwood’s staff. They recall that the staff from the Economic Development, Planning and Parks & Recreation offices were very helpful when they were just getting started. “That support from the Town was very beneficial for us,” says Richard. The Lexes note that collaboration with the Town and local organizations continues to be a crucial part of their organization, and they acknowledge their appreciation that the Creative Simcoe Street is part of the Town’s Downtown Master Plan. When asked about their goals for the future, Richard Lex notes, “Right now, the goal is to make the vision more sustainable and make sure that it continues well into the future.”
Learn more about The Tremont House, The Tremont Studios, and Creative Simcoe Street on their website.
Photos by: Dave West Photography