Built between the years 1873 and 1874, the first resident of 122 Peter Street was Mrs. Gordon, widow of Alexander Gordon, and at 124 Peter Street, the first occupant was Dr. Robert Grimman and his family. He was a staff surgeon at a nearby hospital. These houses are visible reminders of the residences that once graced Toronto’s downtown streets during the 19th century.

The overall design of the two houses is symmetrical, and the style was picturesque. This is perhaps best exhibited in the steep gable that is trimmed with vergeboard, the word verge meaning the end or edge of a thing. It is also commonly referred to as gingerbread. The Victorian wood trim was used to hide the ends of rafters and hangs from the projecting end of the gable roof. Its intricate scrolled patterns were created by hand, employing a coping saw.

In July 2018, fire broke out and gutted these houses. The property was slated for redevelopment with a condo development proposal underway.