Architecture and Artifacts at Clare's Harley-Davidson of Niagara

Clare's Harley-Davidson of Niagara is more than just great Harley-Davidson motorcycles, accessories, apparel and service. It's also loaded with lots of awesome architecture and artifacts including the Diana Sweets restaurant at Clare's Harley-Davidson of Niagara in Niagara on the Lake Ontario

Clare's Harley-Davidson of Niagara will give you quite the WOW factor when you come through the front doors. The dealership is filled with great architecture and artifacts including the Diana Sweets restaurant that used to be in downtown St. Catharines Ontario.  

For over 75 Years, Diana Sweets --"The Di" -was a landmark business in the downtown core. Equally as important was the major role which it played in the social and cultural life of St. Catharines. "The Di" became a meeting place for three & possibly four generations of St. Catharines residents. It was a great place but unfortunately it had to close.

When the "Di" closed in 1996, a vital downtown business was lost.The blow became even more poignant with the removal of the original Art Deco interior and other restaurant fittings which were shipped to Buffalo New York. 

The furnishings stayed in storage in the U.S. for over 10 years. Then it happened. The Diana Sweets furnishings had been bought and are back in Niagara! 

In 2008, Randy Clare from Clare's Cycle / Clare's Harley-Davidson® of Niagara purchased the remaining lot from the antique dealer in Buffalo New York and brought it to Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario & re-created it in his Harley-Davidson® dealership.

Throughout the dealership other reclaimed architectural touches and re-purposed materials were used. Beginning on the outside a large water tower originally from Fort Erie Ontario was relocated to form our Harley-Davidson sign. The idea was inspired by the iconic Harley water tower at the Harley-Davidson manufacturing facility in Milwaukee. 

Inside reclaimed brick was used to create the factory industry feel, along with real wooden doors and reclaimed woodwork. The wood paneling for example came from Buffalo New York and features the original mail boxes from a small apartment building. Other items such as the vintage window in the sales offices and doors came from the same source.  In the ladies washroom is a marble vanity counter from the prestige and iconic Prince of Wales Hotel in Niagara-on-the-Lake Ontario. 

We are very proud of the overall effect and the reuse of history. Creating a warm and friendly space was enhanced by bringing a little old back to life with the new. We hope all our friends will enjoy this experience. 

When you visit the dealership be sure to look above the general merchandise counter and admire our local craftsmanship depicting a tulip tree. This unique feature was inspired by the symbol for the Niagara Peninsula Conservatory. 

In the image above, you will notice a little door turned on its side to create the trim of the window in the sales offices. Unique little touches are throughout the dealership. Next time you come in be sure to ask for a tour. We can point out many things that you may not have noticed before.

Check it all out at Clare's Harley-Davidson of Niagara including the re-creation of Diana Sweets and all the Harley-Davidson® Motorcycles, Apparel, Parts, Accessories, Gifts & Collectibles. 

We look forward to seeing you.

Happy Riding & Safe Travels!
From the promo desk at Clare's Cycle & Sports and Clare's Harley-Davidson® of Niagara.

Lisa Taché