Historic King West Charmer Reaches For The Sky
By on Mar 13, 2012
The building at 355 King St. W. and Blue Jays Way is a charmer. Understated but striking, its Classical detailing is highlighted by the rare application of terra cotta trim on its brick surface. Torontonians already know and love the building as the one-time home of the Indian Motorcycle Café and Lounge. Add to that its distinguished position as one of Toronto’s oldest buildings, and it’s the ideal future location of King Blue Condominiums–Hotel–Retail.
Built in 1927, this then-three-storey warehouse building was a district sales office for the Pennsylvania-based Westinghouse Company, whose own history goes back to the 19th century. The King Street offices supported Westinghouse’s Canadian factory in Hamilton. In 1934/’35, the company added three more floors for their sales and service departments.
The two statuesque towers of King Blue will include a contemporary luxury hotel, desirable retail stores and chic condominiums. These will be anchored to the streetscape by the north and west elevations of the historic Westinghouse building. Retention of the facade not only pays homage to Toronto’s past while retaining its attractive, distinctive brickwork, but it also offers the builders a unique opportunity to incorporate a public courtyard, further enhancing the desirability of the neighbourhood. This stretch of the Entertainment District has become an eclectic mix of old and new, rough brick and smooth steel, for a vibrant, dynamic feel. Anchored by history, but soaring toward the future, the modern/historic architectural mix at King Blue is destined to enrich it even more.
The dream partnership of Easton’s Group of Hotels and Remington Homes will bring its reputation for excellence to lead a team that includes the best in the city: Page + Steele / IBI Group Architects and interior design firm Munge Leung. Award-winning historical architects ERA Architects will handle the work on the façades.
