During the past century, politicians, royalty, movie stars, music idols, well-loved authors, financial gurus and other celebrities have stayed at Le Méridien King Edward Hotel in Toronto. Now under new ownership, this architectural and cultural icon will soon become the permanent home for those attracted to the idea of living in a luxury hotel. Priced up to 50 per cent less than other landmark luxury hotel/residences in the city, the King Edward Private Residences will offer an incredible opportunity to enjoy the best of both worlds.

The historic building is now owned by King Edward Realty Inc. whose partners include Dundee Realty Corporation, Skyline International Development Inc., Serruya Realty Group Inc. and Alex Shnaider. In addition to rejuvenating the building, the section formerly occupied as a well-known fashion mart will become The King Edward Private Residences.

Among the new owners’ plans are the renovation of the spectacular two storey lobby, spa and fitness center as well as the Royal Club lounge, ERA Architects will direct the restoration of this historic building, and The Design Agency will create the interior spaces of the condominiums. Like The Savoy in London, the restoration of the building will preserve the beauty of the past while making the most of modern design and materials that will carry residents and guests into the 21st century with ease and comfort.

The rejuvenated building will encompass approximately 145 luxury condominium suites. Residents will be surrounded by exquisite appointments, with transitional design evoking elegance without pretentiousness. The limited collection of residences will range in size from 500 to 2,000 sq. ft. and will begin in price from the low-$400,000s.

Residents will also have access to the hotel’s sumptuous amenities. These include the luxurious lobby, where a first-floor gallery displaying fine sculptures and paintings from the past and present is like an extension of your living room, and creates an inviting first impression. Among the multi-lingual hotel staff are bellmen, porters, valets and concierges. Residents and guests can exercise in Le Fitness, a 1,500 sq. ft. state-of-the-art fitness centre, and when it comes time to relax and refresh, the spa facilities offer massages, facials, manicures, make-up and more. The business centre and news stand are handy for entrepreneurs, and a raft of other services (babysitting, laundry, secretarial, floral, beauty salon) are available for the utmost in convenience. It also boasts one of the best brunches in the City where Toronto families have marked many celebrations from generation to generation.

The King Eddy, as it is often called, is located on the south side of King Street East at Victoria Street, steps from Toronto’s financial and entertainment districts. It was built by George Gooderham of Gooderham and Worts Distillery fame, and opened on May 11, 1903. The plans also include designating certain hotel suites to reflect many of the celebrities who have stayed in the hotel over the past century. The Elizabeth Taylor suite will pay tribute to 1968, when the film idol’s hotel stay with Richard Burton before they were married caused a scandal, and where Burton presented Liz with the 33.19-carat Krupp Diamond.

Established in 1996, Dundee Realty Corporation is one of Canada’s leading private real estate companies. Real estate and development investment company, Skyline, is Canada’s leading creator of lifestyle-enhancing properties. Alex Shnaider, as principal of Talon International Development is developing the Trump International Hotel & Tower currently under construction in Toronto. Serruya Realty Group owns, develops and manages commercial and retail properties throughout the GTA, and has created and grown Yogen Fruz Worldwide Inc.