The Federal and Ontario governments recently announced that they will share in the renovation and expansion of Toronto's Massey Hall per the Ontario Construction Report. The $60 million in funding will support the project that was designed by KPMB Architects and GBCA Architecture. The project manager for the project is Turner & Townsend (cm2r).
The provincial and federal governments are each making matching $30 million contributions.
"Our government's investment will enable the historic Massey Hall to continue promoting the arts and inspiring future generations of Canadian artists. Cultural spaces like Massey Hall celebrate diversity, support vibrant and inclusive communities, and create more jobs."
Member of Parliament for Etobicoke-Lakeshore | James Maloney
In addition to other renovations, crews will also install a retractable seating system and restore about 100 of the exterior's original stained glass windows.
Deane Cameron, president and CEO of Massey & Roy Thomson Hall, stated that the project will create jobs for about 1,800 tradespeople.
According to Massey Hall's website, this renovation is the most significant renovation in its 124 year history and will be closed for two years. The renovation will protect and celebrate Massey Hall's heritage and build a lasting legacy for artists and fans.
The project will entail the following:
- Restore and renew both the interior and exterior of this National Historic Site
- Improve patron amenities and accessibility
- Open two new music venues
- See the return of the original 124 year old stained glass windows
A little history on the venue:
In 1892, Hart Massey purchased land at Shuter and Victoria Streets and hired architect Sidney R. Badgley to design a memorial to his son, Charles Albert Masey, as a gift to the citizens of Toronto. He hoped that the auditorium would aid in the development of the arts and would be spacious and comfortable for public meetings, conventions, musical and other entertainments.
In June of 1894, a five concert festival inaugurating the then 3,500 seat Massey Music Hall was held.
In 1904, the fire escapes on the Victoria Street side of the hall were replaced after a fire destroyed half of lower downtown Toronto.
In 1908, Enrico Caruso, a highly acclaimed Italian operatic singer, came to Toronto for the first time and performed at Massey Hall.
In 1911, English suffragettes commanded the stage to compel Canadian women to fight for their right to vote and equal pay.
In 1919, shortly after winning the world heavyweight championship, Jack Dempsey refereed preliminary bouts onstage and sparred in an exhibition match. Boxing and wrestling started to out-rent all other forms of entertainment by 3 to 1.
In 1920, One year before his death, Enrico Caruso returned and set a new Massey Hall box office record of $70,000. He then went outside onto the fire escape to sing an aria to the crowd that couldn't get in.
In April 23, 1923, the 58 member New Symphony Orchestra, later renamed the Toronto Symphony Orchestra debuted. Ticket prices ranged from 25 cents to 75 cents and players received $3.95 each.
In 1943, flooding destroyed all of Massey Hall's records, photographs and playbills.
In 1963, Bob Dylan received cheers from an overflowing house until he outraged musical purists during the concert's second half when he and his band went "electric."
In 1973 and 1974, Luciano Pavarotti and Maria Callas made their Toronto debuts.
Massey Hall's history is full of unbelievable accounts and space is limited as to how much we can cover here. This was just a small sampling of their rich historical value to the city of Toronto.
DataBid is currently reporting on this project - Massey Hall Revitalization - Six Storey Addition (0009091713). Also see Massey Hall Revitalization - Basement Renovations (0008091713)
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