In the 1930s, Burton favoured prominent corner sites and often used art deco architectural decorations - such as the tall windows and chevron motifs seen on the Coney Street building. These designs were thought to attract the 'right type' of clientele.
As a made-to-measure tailor, Burton’s shops did not need much storage space, and so often had a floor to spare. Montague Burton was part of the temperance movement, and advocated alcohol-free entertainment such as dance halls or billiard halls above the shops. In York, a dance hall was in fact, below the shop. During WWII this became a public air-raid for the use of people caught away from home during an air-raid.
This building is Grade II listed, highlighting its significance nationally as an example of art deco architecture and twentieth-century shop design.