The Tobin Building was constructed in 1894 for John J. Tobin for use as a retail store and as a family residence. Tobin was active in politics and succeeded in being elected as the Member of the House of Assembly for Placentia/St. Mary's in 1889.

© 1998 Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador (30Kb)

The Second Empire style structure is a good example of the dwelling/business buildings built in St. John's after the Great Fire of 1892. Tobin used the first floor to sell wines, spirits and groceries, and used the upper levels for a home. In 1920 John M. Tobin became the owner of the building and sold cigars and tobacco from the ground floor store.

After Tobin vacated the building, the East End Bond Store began operation in 1928. In 1932 the East End Liquor store opened in the building. The structure was vacant from 1953 until 1984, when Hayward Interiors established a store at the location. From 1991-1997 the building housed Hutton's Music. In 1998 the Pollyanna Art and Antique Gallery acquired the building.

Despite the many changes in ownership, the building retains its original character. The bay and mansard windows remain unaltered and the structure retains the original wooden shingles and wrought iron cresting. The interior's original tin ceiling and embossed tin walls also remain intact.

In April 1998 the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador designated the Tobin Building a Registered Heritage Structure, as one of the best surviving examples of post-fire commercial/residential architecture in St. John's.