Nestled along the banks of the Detroit River sits a beautiful part of our city. Just west of the Ambassador Bridge, Sandwich Towne is home to a thriving portion of our community that boasts a charming business district with beautiful architecture that reflects the rich history of the region.
Sandwich Towne was established in 1797 by European settlers upon lands inhabited by the First Nations peoples of the Ojibwa, Odawa and Potawatomi tribes.
It has been a central figure in many historical events throughout the 19th century. It’s worth noting that the location of Sandwich played an integral role in the history of the Underground Railroad with a significant stop being the Sandwich First Baptist Church. Luckily for us many of these landmarks survive today.
While Sandwich Towne is part of the City of Windsor as it was amalgamated in 1935, one cannot help but feel they have been transported into an entirely different realm.
The hub of Sandwich Towne within the borders of the Olde Sandwich Town BIA, is rich with its very own cultural feel. As you walk around the business district, you’ll find over 20 unique shops and restaurants and points of interest. The BIA is there to promote growth and community engagement. Their website lists an array of events throughout the year at local hot spots, such as Sandwich Brewing Company.
Sandwich Towne is home to the Dominion House, lovingly known simply as the DH. It is a local gathering place established in 1878 and is the oldest, continuously run tavern in the Windsor-Detroit area. The Dominion House is a favourite among locals, keeping things lively, after dark, with a range of live music shows and activities.
Other delightful businesses operate in historical landmarks such as a local favourite for fresh baked goods and weekend breakfast, the Olde Towne Bake Shoppe, which operates in the McGregor-Cowan house, built in 1808.
Historical buffs will be delighted with visiting other points of interest such as MacKenzie Hall. The MacKenzie Hall Cultural Centre is another historical landmark in its former life as a district courthouse and jail. It is the hub of activity acting as a performing arts space, gallery and banquet hall.
Also of note is the John Muir branch of the Windsor Public Library. This state-of-the-art facility is the perfect example of melding the past into the future. The former fire hall has been transformed into a cultural hub where the architectural details are simply amazing. Don’t forget to ask for the tour!
To assist with the growth of this vibrant community, we are delighted to support Sandwich Towne’s small business community through the Sandwich Business Development Program.
Through our partnerships with the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority and Bridging North America, we have been able to fulfil our commitment to support the west-end business community by offering specialized programs and services.
We have extended our services by providing in-person consultations through our monthly residency at the John Muir Branch of the Windsor Public Library, located at 363 Mill St. An advisor is on-hand to provide professional advice and guidance on the first Tuesday of each month from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome based on availability.
In addition, we’d love to extend an invitation to join us for some Banter, Business & Beers. Come out to Sandwich Brewing Company (3232 Sandwich Street) on April 20th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. to network with other entrepreneurs. This is a fantastic opportunity to share success stories, learn and be inspired by other local business owners and see for yourself what beautiful Sandwich Towne has to offer.
Become a client of the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre and receive support in launching or expanding your small business, contact us for more information.
