Mayor John Tory, Minister of Finance Joe Oliver and Geddy Lee of Rush were on hand today (February 23) to celebrate the launch of Phase 1 of the Massey Hall revitalization project. It will be business as usual until 2019, but Phase 2 of the initiative will close the venue for an estimated 18-24 months.
“We’ve been good at a lot of things in Toronto over the years … but keeping up with our transit needs and preserving and renewing some of our heritage structures have not been at the top of the list of things we’ve done well,” Tory said. “But I hope that today represents a new beginning a new chapter, in doing something very special for a very special place.”
Massey President and CEO Charles Cutts reviewed what Phase 1 of the revitalization project of the 120-year-old structure, already underway, entails [PDF]:
- Phase 1 began in 2013 with the demolition of the Albert Building directly south of Massey Hall
- With the additional 4,800-square feet at the back of the building, construction can start on a two-storey basement, a loading dock (a first for Massey!), a backstage area and technical/production facilities
- The federal government contributed $8 million to the project’s $32 million costs (with $9 million of that going toward Phase 2)
Phase 2, which begins in 2019, will close the venue for up to two years while the interior is refurbished and made more accessible with new elevators, washrooms, lobby and a bar.
While Rush’s Geddy Lee compared Massey Hall to New York’s Carnegie Hall and Atlanta’s Fox Theatre, rock historian and broadcaster Alan Cross had another way of illustrating the venue’s significance.
“There’s a great story that Eddie Vedder, when he played here, he went around back to find the spot where Neil Young once relieved himself so he could relieve himself in the same place,” said Cross. “I mean, it’s an odd story but it gives you an idea of the historic nature of this building.”
A video narrated by Ron Sexsmith also underlines the rich history of the venue and the variety of acts and audiences that have enjoyed its unique, warm acoustics.
After the presentations, Alejandra Ribera treated the crowd to a song.
The revitalization project is separate from the 60-storey Massey Tower condominium building currently going up at 197 Yonge St.
Don’t miss: Live at Massey Hall with Basia Bulat, Live at Massey Hall with Timber Timbre
kater@nowtoronto.com | @katernow
