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There are few buildings in Toronto as storied as the King Edward Hotel. Built by George Gooderham of the Gooderham and Worts Distillery, the hotel has been welcoming guests since opening in 1903. The King Eddy quickly became the centre of Toronto's social scene, and its name has been associated with its famous visitors ever since, including royalty, presidents and prime ministers, music idols, movie stars, and international celebrities of all stripes.
The Original Lobby
Today's Lobby. The portrait hanging at the back is of the hotel's namesake, King Edward VII, and whose grandson King Edward VIII stayed in the hotel in 1919.
The historic building recently changed hands and is now owned by King Edward Realty Inc., whose partners include Dundee Realty, Skyline International, Serruya Realty, and Alex Shnaider. The partners are launching a rejuvenation of the building, and are converting the third through fifth floors, site of a former fashion mart, into The King Edward Residences. The 145 condominium suites will range in size from 500 to 2,000 square feet, and will start in the low $400,000s. The units will be outfitted elegantly with luxurious appointments. Renovation plans for the building include the dramatic two storey lobby, the spa and fitness centre, as well as the Royal Club Lounge. ERA Architects will direct the restoration while The Design Agency will create the interior spaces of the condominiums. UrbanToronto is thrilled that this spectacular Toronto building is being revitalized, and was very happy to tour one of the former fashion mart floors currently being gutted. Jason Lester, COO of Dundee Realty led us through the site. Lester is enthusiastic about maintaining the hundred year old building's charm and period details in the new condo builds, while bringing the most modern conveniences in seamlessly.
We were surprised to find the demolition in such an advanced state, as one would never know from the exterior what was going on inside.
These bays and windows face on to King Street.
The length of a future hallway is strewn with rubble.
This newer wing faces Leader Lane, along the east side of the building.
The building's several wings are laid out in a way that's difficult to describe, but which allow for a number of light wells and interesting views from the windows. At the northwest corner of the building, good use will be made of the circular bay, turning this:
into this
UrbanToronto will bring you more on the King Edward Residences as the sales centre opens.
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