The fight over Toronto's historic Roundhouse is far from over, according to the building's only commercial tenant and at least one Toronto city councillor.

Steam Whistle Brewing, which already occupies roughly a third of the building, said yesterday it's willing to put $10 million toward the cost of converting the rest of the city-owned Roundhouse to a railway museum.

The brewery has the support of Toronto city councillor Adam Vaughan, who has a motion before council this week that would disrupt a private leasing firm's plans to devote part of the 80-year-old building to a Leon's furniture store.

"This has nothing to do with Leon's," Vaughan said during yesterday's city council meeting. "It's the way we handle stewardship of this historic building... It's not a good way to deal with heritage buildings, to commoditize them and hand them out as rentals.

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In the shadow of the CN Tower, amid a forest of condos, a century-old Canadian furniture retailer hopes to carve out a new market.

But are downtown Toronto residents ready to shop at a Leon's Furniture store, a chain best known for its no-money down payment plans and sprawling suburban stores?

Leon's choice of location - Toronto's historic Roundhouse - has already ruffled some feathers among heritage buffs and the former railway yard's only other commercial tenant, Steam Whistle Brewing.

But Terry Leon, third generation leader of the family-controlled firm, says the "uniqueness" of the building is critical to its plan for re-branding its image in the minds of downtown consumers.

"Our greatest strength is our repeat business, it's also our greatest weakness. We haven't told our story to enough people," Leon said in an interview at the company's North York headquarters.

The 63-store national chain has only one store south of Highway 401 and fewer customers are making the trek from the city's core to visit them, he says. He blames traffic congestion.

But others note the face of the downtown core has changed.

Soaring property values have forced out many middle-class families. They've been replaced by young couples and aging boomers, who are buying mainly highrise condos with small footprints.

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The lifestyle you've always wanted is no longer fantasy. You can truly live right in the heart of the action with Conservatory Group's brand new development, Infinity, in downtown Toronto. Steps away from the Air Canada Centre, the CN Tower, and SkyDome, Infinity offers an exciting lifestyle at exciting prices.

Priced from an incredible $159,900, luxury suites are available in one-bedroom, one-bedroom plus office, one-bedroom plus den, two-bedroom, and two-bedroom plus den and solarium. Monthly maintenance fees include hydro, gas, water, heat, and air conditioning, so the only monthly bills you'll have to worry about are cable and telephone. That leaves you with a hassle-free lifestyle and plenty of time to enjoy your surroundings.

This bustling downtown neighbourhood means a car is a luxury, not a necessity. Walk to Leafs, Raptors and Jays games, avoiding traffic congestion and hefty parking fees. Walk to the CN Tower and enjoy a romantic meal at the revolving restaurant above the city. Walk to restaurants, pubs and cafés for long dinners or a quick bite. Walk to Front Street, where bars and shops await. Walk to Union station if you're looking for the subway, GO or VIA trains. Walk to Queens Quay and enjoy the beautiful waterfront, Harbourfront, and restaurants. It's all right at your fingertips.

But these conveniences don't stop once inside the building. Residents enjoy amenities that raise the appreciation of every minute spent at home. Take in the warm rays of sunshine on the second floor outdoor terrace, or move inside for a refreshing dip in the indoor pool. Of course, if you prefer, wash away your cares in the whirlpool. Stay fit in the exercise and aerobic room, and finish off with a relaxing trip to the saunas, located right inside the men's and women's changing rooms.

The second floor also offers a party room with kitchen, virtual golf, a billiards room, a conference/meeting room, a business centre, a cinema, a library/card room, and two guest rooms. The sixth floor features a lounge with comfortable chairs and couches.

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