TORONTO (CelebrityAccess) — The first phase of the long-planned renovation of Toronto's iconic Massey Hall is now underway.
“Massey Hall is not only a national historic site that we all treasure, but a place where Canadian music history is made,” Massey Hall CEO and president Charles Cutts said during a ceremony marking the launch of the renovations. “It’s been that way for the last 120 years, and will be for the next 120.”
The 2,752-seat hall will undergo a two phase, seven year, 135 million renovation, which is due to be completed in 2021.
The first phase of the refurbishment will see upgrades for the back of house, including adding a new loading dock and technical capabilities to the historic venue.
The second phase of the planned update, slated to start in 2019, will see the theater renovated, including the completion of the 60 story Massey Tower, extensive renovations of the exterior and interior of the building, new seats and a restoration of the venue's original stained glass.
The hall could be closed for up to 2 years during the second phase of the project.
Originally constructed in 1894, Massey Hall has become a national landmark for Canada. Funds for the refurb are coming from Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario, and from the private sector, including TD Bank Group and RBC. – Staff Writers
