120-year-old Toronto house that was nearly demolished now $3 million showstopper

Built in 1902 by bricklayer Robert Herod — the same man behind Mimico landmarks like Connaught Hall (Mimico Masonic Temple) and the Port Credit Post Office — 182 Queens Ave. is a rare piece of Toronto history that almost didn't make it past 2017.

"The home was slated for demolition to build a duplex with two semis," realtor Joel Keitner told blogTO.

Luckily, in 2023, a builder (and Keitner's client) stepped in and purchased the home for just over $1.2 million. Rather than tearing it down, they gave it a second life.

An aerial view of the house and the addition. 

And thank goodness they did. Losing this house would've meant erasing a tangible piece of Mimico's past.

The kitchen. 

"This is one of the first homes ever built in Mimico," says Keitner. But the history isn't just in the bricks and mortar — it's in the family that lived here.

The dining area with built-in cabinetry. 

"[Herod's] sons served in World War I and one of them, William, fell. His name is one of the 11,285 names on the Vimy Ridge monument and there is a monument on the corner of Queens/Lakeshore, up the street, also honouring his memory with his name inscripted."

The open concept main floor. 

Despite its age, the home is anything but a time capsule.

A cozy fireplace in the living room. 

The four-bedroom property has been completely redeveloped from top to bottom, featuring a large rear addition that expands it to approximately 4,400 square feet of living space.

The wall of windows lets in tons of natural light. 

The main floor is bright and airy, featuring wide-plank hardwood floors, soaring ceilings, and a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with light and open onto the backyard.

The primary ensuite. 

The design is full of thoughtful modern touches — arched doorways, a floating staircase, five bathrooms (instead of the single one it started with), and luxe details like in-floor heating in the basement and primary ensuite.

The primary bedroom. 

Upstairs, the primary bedroom opens to a spacious terrace with a perfect view of the backyard — which might be the home's best feature.

The backyard. 

The yard has been professionally landscaped into a private oasis, complete with a saltwater pool, cabana, and mature trees that make it feel worlds away from the city.

The basement recreation room with a wet bar. 

There's more living space in the basement with a large recreation room, gym and an extra bedroom. 

A home office on the main floor. 

Located across from Queens Ave. Parkette and just steps from the lake, the house is within walking distance to cafés, shops, restaurants, and the GO station, with downtown Toronto and Pearson Airport only a short drive away.

One of four bedrooms. 

"This is a very unique and special one-of-a-kind home," Keitner says, emphasizing that it's not just about the high-end finishes — it's the story that makes it so remarkable.

The new addition at the back of the house. 

182 Queens Ave. is listed at $2,995,000.