TORONTO — The Fairmont Royal York celebrated its 90th birthday yesterday, surrounded by employees, guests and members of the community. To commemorate the occasion, the iconic Toronto hotel also unveiled a transformed lobby, designed by Rockwell Group, as well as new lobby bar called Clockwork Champagne & Cocktails.
Hundreds of people crowded the famed lobby for the celebrations, which were inaugurated with entertainment from Big Smoke Brass Band. Mayor John Tory joined regional vice-president, Accor Central Canada and general manager of Fairmont Royal York, Edwin Frizzel, as well as Project Lead for KingSett Capital, Paul Campbell, in cutting the ceremonial ribbon to mark the occasion.
“This is much more than just a hotel — it represents much of the history and soul of our great city,” said Campbell.
After the ribbon cutting, the hotel officially unveiled its new lobby and lobby lounge, Clockwork Champagne & Cocktails, as well as Reign Bar. An additional restaurant and bakery are set to open in the coming days as part of the hotel’s complete signature dining experience, Reign Restaurant + Bar + Bakery.
“A pivotal part of the Fairmont Royal York, Clockwork will honour our legacy with a new statement timepiece,” said Frizzell.“Our ‘90th Anniversary Clock’ is dedicated to the people of the city of Toronto, as well as the past, present and future colleagues of Fairmont Royal York who have, for 90 years, been the beating ‘heart’ of our hotel.”
Since opening on June 11, 1929, Fairmont Royal York has welcomed many heads of state and celebrities and has been host to many historical moments. To honour its past, the hotel has commissioned author and historian Dr. Carolyn Harris to help create a self-guided history tour for guests to explore the hotel’s public spaces and learn more about its storied past. Looking ahead to the future, the hotel is sponsoring Toronto of the Future — a unique exhibition that will run from June 25 to July 1 — to highlight the real-estate and infrastructure projects expected to shape the landscape of the city.
To capture the hotel’s legacy and Golden Era roots, Frank Rea of Forget Me Not flowers designed a stunning floral installation, The Celebration Cake, which will be on display in the hotel lobby for the month of June. In honour of 90 years, Fairmont Royal York also donated 90 room nights to Heritage Toronto, which will disperse them across the city for not-for-profits to raise funds to support their public-heritage programming and the work of the more than 100 community and volunteer organizations in Toronto.
