GRAND AVENUE CHILDREN'S CENTRE

Our Building

 

We are located at 81 Grand Avenue in London, Ontario. It can be tricky to locate us because our entrance is tucked away at the side of the Grand Wood Park Retirement Residence, but we're certainly worth the hunt! 

 

The original yellow brick section was built in 1918. The property was originally the home of the prominent Minhinnick family-owners of the Wright Lithographing Company Limited (at the corner of Wellington Rd. and Dundas St.)  William Nelson Minhinnick, a veteran of the First World War, member of the Consolidated Press and Vice-President of his family’s business, lived at 81 Grand Avenue in the 1920’s. 

 

Later on, the building was owned by The Women’s Christian Association and renamed “The Victoria Home for Incurables”. They provided care for the poor and infirm. The building was also the original Parkwood Hospital! 

 

Today, the building is occupied by the Grandwood Park Apartments and Retirement Home and the Grand Avenue Children’s Centre. We share an amazing historic building! 

There are many perks to sharing such a grand historic building and partnering with Grand Wood Park. We have access to beautiful  lawns and gardens to explore, a shaded gazebo to read under on a hot day and large grassy areas to kick around a soccer ball and wear off a little energy. We also have access to an auditorium where we host our Christmas concert and Spring Fling.

 

Another perk and privilege is the monthly Senior Social. The children meet with the Seniors for snacks and a chat. The preschoolers are also involved in a multi-generational arts program.