Then & Now in Downtown Belleville: 371-385 Front St.
The Mayer Building at 371-385 Front Street, once known as the “Reynolds Block,” stands as a testament to Belleville’s growth and resilience. As the city evolved, the businesses within this historic location followed suit—honouring the past while embracing the vibrant future of the neighbourhood.
Written by Xandra Grayson
Read time: 5 min
When construction first broke ground at 371-385 Front Street, Belleville was still just a small trading hamlet called “Meyer’s Creek” in the Township of Thurlow, and “Upper Bridge” was still only a dream for the future. Front Street was just a dirt path leading from Captain John Meyers’ grist mill down to Mr. John Simpsons’ tavern on Dundas Street, which led to the wharf. Reverend John Reynolds, a merchant and former schoolteacher, was the first to build a permanent dwelling at the top end of Front Street. He built his home on the empty corner near the forty-foot-high sandhill known as the Pinnacle, a landmark that gave Pinnacle Street its name. He was there to see Lot No. 4, the official name of “Meyer’s Creek,” become Belleville in 1816.
In 1836, the first sidewalk along Front St. was laid, with flagstones from the river, and extended from Dundas Street to the newly built “Upper Bridge.” Over time, the development of 371-385 Front Street grew from where Rev. John Reynolds built his house to be named “Reynolds Block,” with lots divided and surveyed in 1854. With a now booming timber industry, Front Street was bursting at the seams to serve the inhabitants and visitors with the fruits of Belleville’s lumber production. Tobacco, allspice, pepper, and fur, mixed with dry goods and farm produce were marched up and down the unpaved main thoroughfare, carried by merchants and traders from inland to the now-busy wharf. These short journeys of commerce were lit with gas or coal oil lamps, and th ough the street remained muddy and unpaved, it was now wide enough to allow carriages. On August 19, 1857, the Hastings Chronicle announced: “New Construction in Belleville. The whole when completed is designed for a first-class hotel, four large and commodious stores, and dwellings and offices above.” Thus, Doyle’s International Hotel filled the empty lot on “Reynolds Block” and began servicing those passing through Belleville on the Grand Trunk Railway, providing large stables in the back for those on horseback or in carriages.
Through Belleville’s recession in the 1890s, when the lumber fields became exhausted, Doyle’s International Hotel faded away. It was replaced by a cobbler, with neighboring downtown buildings occupied by second-hand stores, butchers, grocers, and bicycle repair shops, with apartments above for those who worked below. The advent of motorized vehicles saw the Doyle’s International Hotel building disappear entirely. A garage and then a gasoline station sprang up in its place. In the late 1950s, the construction of the new Mayer Building, with shops and offices, revealed the advent of booming new industries in Belleville that needed to be serviced. THESalon, Traders Finance, Trans Canada Loans, Howard & Robert Printing, a swimming pool center, and an auto repair garage can be seen in the background of many historical photos from the 1950s and 1960s.
Built on foundations laid by previous generations, the Mayer Building on the old “Reynolds Block” in Belleville speaks to the bright future of the city’s evolution. As Belleville matured, so did the businesses within the 371-385 Front Street location, all while maintaining a connection to the history of the neighbourhood. Three Oaks Foundation’s thrift shop honours the past by selling women’s clothing to those in need, echoing the long history of second-hand shops in that very spot. Right next door, the adjacent business Barber Art by Anna-Lee & Décor Amor combines a barbershop with vintage art and sculptures made from classic lighting equipment. This unique blend of businesses allows visitors to appreciate the beauty of vintage art and technology while leaving with a stylish new haircut.
Frosty Bubble Bliss and Mother’s Treasure African Store bring vibrant energy to the rest of the Mayer Building. Frosty Bubble Bliss offers sweet treats, refreshing ice cream on a hot day, or a warm coffee on a chilly one. Mother’s Treasure African Store provides authentic African foods and products, from fresh produce to spices and traditional ingredients, bringing a taste of Africa to the local community. Both businesses offer friendly service and a welcoming atmosphere, making the Mayer Building a dynamic hub of culture and history.
Next time you’re on Front Street in downtown Belleville, look for the Mayer Building, home to many local shops and business owners ready to help you find what you’re looking for—just like the shops of the past. While the street is now paved and coal and gas lanterns are relics of another era, the businesses within the old “Reynolds Block” prove that even as times change, a warm greeting and friendly service remain the heart of 371-385 Front Street.
Historic photos courtesy of the Community Archives of Belleville and Hastings County.
