Heading into its 19th year in business, Solus Decor creates concrete, contemporary and modern fireplace surrounds, mantels, and fire pits. The shop has been in the area for 12 years now, and was originally started in a friend’s garage by Tanya, who is an original founder of the business. Tanya is no longer an owner, but has recently come back to the organization. Blair has also been involved with the company for many years, and has also recently returned to work with Solus. Once we got to chatting, Blair explained to us it’s the diversity of the neighbourhood that he loves most about the East Village. “Although the gentrification has started to happen, it is the last pocket that has yet to be gentrified,” he says. “You can still have industry here,” Tanya adds. “A lot of manufacturers are here which is insane – as manufacturing in Canada is extremely difficult. It’s also nice as there is this little group who are building around us.” 
“Businesses here can use each other as a resource,” Blair continues. “There is a community of people in this area who all manufacture in Canada. We are supplied from businesses across the street; we also donate to loving spoonful next door. It is tight knit community here.” Specializing in fire places, water features and firepits made of concrete, the team at Solus offers a showroom for customers, and also manufacture right onsite. In it’s former years, the building used to be a brewery (surprise, surprise!), then a wood processing plant. The company will showing off their products at many upcoming tradeshows, including IDS West, Build Ex, Architect Digest Show in New York, Chelsea Garden in the UK, Hampton Court Garden show in the UK. “We are currently expanding into Europe,” Tanya tells us. With a new revamped website on the way and new products to come, be sure to keep in the loop with what’s new at Solus Decor through their Facebook, and visit them in person at their showroom located at 1445 Powell Street.