Two years ago I often wandered by the corner of Ossington and Humbert to admire an old, near dilapidated three story building. The place was vacant but the building had just sold. The sign in the window read Tops in Kitchens and at its apex lay a sign etched in stone with the name LeVack Block.

In the time that's passed, owner Adam Baguely and designer Amber Honor Elson have transformed the proposed heritage property (1889-1891) into a stunning new bar. It's split into two rooms with a bar/restaurtant area in the front called LeVack and a dance/event space in the back named The Block .

Numerous red tape with getting all the necessary permits delayed its opening but finally last month the new LeVack Block was born. Inside, the front room is stunning. There are soaring windows, one hundred year old plus exposed brick, vintage lighting and chairs, and a bar assembled from an old bank teller window.

On tap are eight microbrews ($5.50 - $6.50), Guinness ($6.50) plus eight bottles (including Kingfisher, yum!) and a short wine list with six reds and five whites. The food service has yet to ramp up but I was told it will feature salads, wings and a mean croque monsieur.

Cover charge for the front will be $0 but it will be interesting to see how the back space evolves. I've got high hopes as there aren't enough places in Toronto that successfully marry an intimate bar with a dance venue.