The Omni King Edward originally opened in 1903 with its Crystal Ballroom first opening its doors in 1922. The Crystal Ballroom was used for many historic events such as a dinner for the British Prime Minister and Prince of Wales, and hosted performances of great musicians and orchestras of the 1920s to 1940s, including Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Harry James, Tommy Dorsey and Benny Goodman.
Event from 1939 (Photo Credit: Toronto Star)
Unfortunately, in 1979 after the space was deemed not up to code, it laid empty for 38 years, except for some movies and photoshoots which were done in the empty space; while the space that was destined to become the Prefunction Bar was a Back-of-House Prep Kitchen prior to the renovation.
The Crystal Ballroom Pre-Construction (Photo Credit: Shurway Contracting)
Prefunction Bar / Former BOH Kitchen Pre-Construction (Photo Credit: Shurway Contracting)
Prefunction Bar / Former BOH Kitchen Pre-Construction (Photo Credit: Shurway Contracting)
This is all until the space was reinvented in a $6.5 Million renovation. Our team at Moncur Design Associates Inc. designed the 5,000 Sq. Ft. Ballroom and the new adjacent Prefunction Bar to exude a traditional glamour.
Preliminary Rendering
Preliminary Rendering
A plaster restoration specialist was brought in to restore the original wood carvings to a like-new condition.
The Crystal Ballroom (Photo Credit: Alex Dineley)
A striking and luxurious carpet manufactured in stunning pale and royal blue tones with hints of golden yellow with a unique overlay of linear patterns and medallions merging a classic motif with a modern style for an elegant aesthetic.
The Crystal Ballroom (Photo Credit: Brandon Barre)
The Crystal Ballroom Prefunction Bar (Photo Credit: Brandon Barre)
The lighting fixtures at The Crystal Ballroom and Bar were designed to reflect the opulence and intricacy of the original architectural details. Harmonizing with the rich patterned carpet, the three large-scale brass chandeliers are delicate starbursts that reflect a timeless elegance by respecting the property’s history and interpreting 1920s style in a contemporary fashion.
The Crystal Ballroom Chandeliers (Photo Credit: Brandon Barre)
The consistent use of crystals reflects the light from both the fixtures and the natural lighting flowing in through the floor to ceiling windows which adds sparkle throughout the space making the Crystal Ballroom a truly eye-catching venue. The original floor-to-ceiling windows still capture the stunning panoramic city views.
The Crystal Ballroom (Photo Credit: Brandon Barre)
This radiance of the new finishes and design scheme perfectly defines the Crystal Ballroom as the crowning jewel of The Omni King Edward property and a grand destination that can be a source of pride for Torontonians. It is no wonder this space was covered by many notable Toronto publications, such as the Toronto Star, and won the Illumination Award for Interior Design Lighting in 2019.
The Crystal Ballroom Prefunction Bar (Photo Credit: Brandon Barre)
Want to see the transformation and construction in real time? Below is a beautifully created time-lapse video created by Omni Hotels & Resorts that gives background to the history of the space and shows our design coming to life!