The handsome block at 825-829 Rosser Avenue was built in 1902 by architect W.H. Shillinglaw. It was originally occupied by Zink Bros., a shoe retailer which was later renamed Zink Shoe Co. In 1919, the brothers sold the store and it became Knowlton’s Boot Shop Ltd. Other businesses that have occupied spaces within the block include grocers Smith & Burton; jeweler William E. Crawford; The Mayfair; and Lucette’s Hat Shop.
The elegant design offers an elaborate cornice with dentils, layered brick belts, and arched brick detailing. Both arched and rectangular segmental windows are adorned with decorative voussoirs and sills that feature dentils and intricate brickwork. Pilasters also decorate the block’s extremely detailed exterior.