Massey Music Hall

GBCA was proud to be part of a team of specialists responsible for the multi-million dollar revitalization of this iconic music hall in downtown Toronto. Led by KPMB Architects, who designed an innovative addition to the south of the hall, the primary goal of this project was to maintain the heritage character of the late-nineteenth century building, most notably the interior auditorium, while still allowing for the modernization needed to keep the hall viable for years to come.

The Outcome

Over the course of five years of planning and design development (beginning in 2013), the necessary alterations and additions were carefully considered in relation to the recognized heritage character defining features. It was paramount from the beginning that a measured analysis of the heritage values were consistently developed and conveyed to the entire consultant team. The resultant Conservation Plan became the guiding document for all work on site.

Ultimately, while parts of the hall were rehabilitated, key heritage-character defining features were restored, including the ornate plaster ceiling and the stained glass windows (which had been hidden for years behind plywood hoarding).

Reopened in November 2021, Massey Music Hall is a testament to the abilities of trained craftspeople and contractors who understand the value of our heritage.

Video courtesy of CBC

Massey Music Hall reopened in November 2021 after three years of construction.