The Evolution of the Royal York
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The Queens Hotel 1901 |
For nearly two centuries, the land north of Union Station has been synonymous with luxurious hospitality. In the mid-1850s, four townhouses were combined to create a hotel, which originally opened its doors as the Swords Hotel. In 1860, it was renamed The Revere, and in 1862, it underwent yet another name change, becoming The Queens Hotel. The Queens Hotel quickly established itself as a premier destination, renowned for its luxury and modern amenities. It was the first hotel in Canada to install an elevator, an innovative feature at the time. With 210 rooms, a restaurant, and beautifully manicured gardens, The Queens Hotel was the finest establishment for visitors in the area. |
This plan from September 11th, 1918, illustrates the lots of land at the northeast corner Front St. And York Street where the current Royal York Hotel is located. To the right of this plan, part of the Queen's hotel is illustrated, showing its exact location on Front St.
Against the odds, The Queens Hotel survived the Great Fire of 1904, which ravaged much of Toronto’s core. The hotel staff and guests formed a water bucket brigade and hung soaked blankets outside of closed windows to prevent the flames from spreading to the hotel. These brave efforts saved the hotel from complete destruction, allowing it to welcome visitors for another 20+ years.
In 1927, the land across from Union Station was purchased by the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) to make way for a grander vision. The demolition of the Queen’s hotel began, and two years later, in 1929, the Royal York Hotel opened its doors.
Image Courtesy of Krcmar Surveyors LTD.
This plan commissioned by Ross & McDonald Architects in 1927 shows the future site location for the Royal York after demolition of the area. On the right side, the remains from an old foundation are noted. Detailed and precise surveys are essential for the demolition and planning process. Surveyors provide accurate measurements of the existing lands to ensure the new structure will fit perfectly into the landscape.
The Royal York was an architectural wonder of its time, becoming the largest hotel in the British Empire upon its completion. It stood as a symbol of luxury and grandeur, hosting 1,048 rooms, as well as a library, a concert hall, a rooftop garden, a 35-operator switchboard, and an associated golf course (St. George’s Golf Club).
In 1956, the hotel underwent a significant expansion, with the addition of 400 rooms and 17 floors to its east wing. Completed in June 1960, this expansion helped the Royal York reclaim its title as the largest hotel in the British Empire.
Image Courtesy of Krcmar Surveyors LTD.
This plan commissioned by Anglin - Norcross Ontario LTD in 1957 shows the site location for the east-wing addition at the Royal York Hotel. On the left side, the existing hotel structure is illustrated.
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Today, the prestigious Royal York Hotel, located at 100 Front Street, stands as an iconic landmark known for its regal exterior and distinctive green roof. Through the decades the hotel has hosted millions of visitors and iconic figures including celebrities, sports superstars, heads of state, and royal guests including the late Queen Elizabeth II
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References
1. Sayej, Nadja. "A Walk Through Toronto's Glitziest Celebrity Hotspot." Forbes, 5 Jan. 2020, www.forbes.com.
2. Roper, Stephen. Chartered Accountants' Hall: The First Hundred Years. Spire Books, 2005, pp. 16-17. Google Books.
3. "History." The Fairmont Royal York, www.thefairmontroyalyork.com.
4. "Stories from the Great Fire of 1904." Archives of Ontario, www.archives.gov.on.ca.
5. "An Inside Look at the Queen's Royal York Suite." Toronto Sun, 21 Apr. 2016, www.torontosun.com.
Protect Your Boundaries Inc. is a licensed member of the Association of Ontario Land Surveyors, and is entitled to provide cadastral surveying services to the public of the Province of Ontario in accordance with the provisions of the Surveyors Act R.S.O. 1990, Chapter S29.