Toronto’s newly restored Automotive Building opened its doors to the public for the first time yesterday and you can bet I was there for a tour. Originally opened in 1929, the building is an art deco phoenix, newly risen after a $55 million restoration. Rechristened the Allstream Centre, the sprawling limestone fortress has been reborn as a classy conference and convention centre located just inside the Prince’s Gates in Exhibition Place.
I admit I was a little disappointed with the tour. The exterior is splendid with double height windows, green grillwork and beautifully cast deco details (peacocks, owls, acanthus ornaments). The entryway raises the bar even higher with monumental deco light fixtures and elaborate, arched doorways. Unfortunately, the interior couldn’t live up to the introduction . . .
Billed as Canada’s “greenest” convention facility, the space has lots of modern bells and whistles but it is essentially a ho-hum contemporary space that pales after the grandeur of the approach. There are a few nice flourishes — interior walls boasting ceramic waves and limestone and marble blocks — but these features feel flat after the fluid ornament of the exterior.
At the heart of the building is Canada’s largest ballroom with 30-foot ceilings and room for 3,800 seats. It’s nice enough but soulless, not even the solid walnut millwork can elevate such a cavern.
Originally built for $1 million, the restoration took 18 months and cost $55 million. I’m certainly glad to see another of Toronto’s art deco masterpieces preserved but after surveying the perimeter and the entryway, you’ve pretty much seen the best that this building has to offer.
October 26th, 2009 at 8:20 am
It really is a beautiful building. Thank goodness they didn’t tear it down or change the exterior like other architectural landmarks.