Toronto’s most famous renovation project seems to be getting bigger by the day.
Closed since 2018, Toronto’s historic Massey Hall has been undergoing a significant revitalization. The project first started as a renovation to the existing stage and lobby, but is now about to become part of something much larger.
Massey Hall has just announced that they have expanded the scope of the renovation to include a new 7-story multi-purpose performance facility called The Allied Music Centre.
The news comes as Allied Properties, a Canadian provider of creative urban workspace, has signed on as a major partner towards the Massey Hall Revitalization project.
“We’re truly grateful for the opportunity to partner with historic Massey Hall,” said Michael Emory, President & CEO of Allied. “This partnership will enable us to contribute meaningfully to our communities. It will also enable us to propel our vision over an extended period of time and to enrich the experience of the many creative organizations and people who use our urban workspace across the country.”
The name of Massey Hall will not change, but the new investment includes a tower built adjacent to Massey Hall. It will house state-of-the-art performance venues and dedicated spaces for artist development, education and outreach initiatives.
“In Allied, we have found a partner who shares our values, believes in our mission, and from day one wanted to know what they could do to make the Massey Hall Revitalization even more impactful to the community,” said Jesse Kumagai, President & CEO, The Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall. “As a result, their insightful and meaningful investment is not only bringing Massey Hall a significant step closer to reopening, but also serving as the catalyst for expanded scope, adding a new performance venue and dedicated spaces for artist development and music education. We are immeasurably grateful for this remarkable contribution to Canada’s music scene!”
Previously unannounced additional spaces include:
Theatre
The theatre space will serve as a recital hall for smaller student and community ensembles, as well as panel discussions and artists’ talks.
Music Club
The new 500-person live music Club will feature a cutting-edge immersive audio system delivering high-end sound, open concept throughout, and a dynamic view of the city from its floor to ceiling windows. The venue will also include recording capabilities to capture live performances for posterity.
Basement Bar and Performance Space
The Basement Bar will be designed as a meeting place for patrons before shows. It will also stage intimate late-night concerts after main events. The space is inspired by Massey Hall’s heritage design elements while remaining modern and connected to accommodate large crowds.
Recording And Broadcast Facilities and 7th Floor Studio
1953’s “Greatest Jazz Concert ever” and 1971’s Neil Young Live At Massey Hall have established Massey Hall as an important venue for recording in Canada. New recording and live broadcast facilities will expand the capacity to record music throughout the entire complex.
6th Floor Lounge
A new lounge space will serve as an exclusive space for patrons at night, and as a collaborative workspace for musicians and during the day.
Artists’ Lab
The 7th floor will also house a series of dedicated creative spaces and resources for musicians. The addition of an instrument library will also be made available to musicians, offering everything from ukuleles for visiting elementary school students to one-of-a-kind instruments for professional artists.
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