Toronto's Forgotten Landmarks: Regal Constellation Hotel
Sitting silently just east of Toronto's Pearson airport is the derelict Regal Constellation Hotel. Built in 1962, this somewhat bizarre example of modernist architecture was geared toward conferences and trade shows, but due to corporate rearrangement, SARS, and a host of other unfortunate events, it has sat vacant for the past few years. This past weekend, I found myself at an international conference across the street (one that, ironically, used to be held at the Regal), and I could not help paying a visit to my old friend.
What strikes one first about this building, even in its current state of demise, is how seemingly haphazard the overall design is; it consists primarily of two 15-story hotel towers connected by a massive conference centre. The windows on the former have an odd trapezoidal-shape, and added to the strange Vegas-style neon roof signs (off for several years now), give an odd sense of retro-futurism.
I recall watching planes land in their steady, connect-the-dot stream from these windows a decade ago, and I wonder how this place will be fated. Since its guests made their final exit, the rear parking arcade has been demolished, and every day since, huge machines have been busily working at the rear of the site, and yet it seems to be an un-consuming fire.
When I initially heard of the site's closure some years ago, I was excited to go and visit a place which I used to frequent in its own skin (the same urge which drove me initially to return to the Guild Inn, whose conference centre I also attended when in use). Upon my most recent trip (albeit, across the street this time), I was shocked to find that although a number of years had passed, absolutely nothing has changed. The demolition machines seemed to be merely fulfilling an ancient Greek myth, eternally emptying a bucket which began with a hole. It seems to me that they are merely re-arranging the rubble they created two years back, waiting for orders from head office.
Plans to incorporate the current hotel towers into a new complex on site seem to be inching forward slowly, at best. The end result is not what I am interested in, however; it is in this current interim state that I enjoy most. The vision of a pitch-black hotel at night through my window across the street, red warning beacons on the roof flashing to warn incoming planes of its mighty presence (its only light), the slight smell of mold and debris as the wind rises, and the massive piles of twisted metal in back; this image suggests, warns, and reminds me that all things are merely in a state of transition and not permanent, and that, in the end, all things go.
Here's a slide show of some of the snaps I took at this silent hotel:
Comments (35)
The hotel's only benefit is that it was so close to the airport. When sleep--or sex--mattered most, the appearance of the hotel mattered didn't matter. I beleive those windows were an imitation of the Chateau Champlain in Montreal.
Good riddance to it. It was an eyesore.
More info:
-Named after the Super Constellation airplane that used to grace the property (since removed, dismantled, and caught up in litigation over its fate)
-Top floor of the old tower is home to the Magic Carpet Lounge, an arabian nights themed bar that was a popular spot in the 60s/70s.
-Each of the rooms on the top floor is named after a tall mountain peak. The Mount Everest room has a photo of Hillary, and a large photo of Everest on a panel that hides a giant chalk board (for some strange reason).
The redevelopment is not actually moving forward right now - the US-based hedge fund that owns the property filed for bankruptcy in the US. The site was supposed to be the home of a brand new Hyatt Regency, but it looks like that plan will be on the back-burner for at least a little while.
The plan you refer to - where some of the existing towers would be incorporated into a larger new complex - might be a previous one, as the most recent plan involved completely razing the site.
TonyW - yes, but the work crews are still residue from the previous plan though - to build a 3rd tower where the parking garage is...
SeanG - thanks, man - I knew about the airplane-name, but had no idea about the top floors - very interesting! Thanks for the added info (short piece, had to choose personal/emotional or historical...heh)
Jonathan.
for me,one of the highlights of getting the bus to the airport is driving by this hotel. I've always been intrigued by it. I'm a sucker for 60's design.
I stayed there overnight in September 1986 ... I was on my home to Nova Scotia from my honeymoon in Jamaica with my first husband.
If I may jack your posting with a couple shots of my own:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/smlg/tags/regalconstellation/show/
Awesome shots Jonathan!
I went there in December last year.
http://flickr.com/photos/bigdaddyhame/sets/72157603450200314/
Might be time for another foray!
http://www.1sttorontohotels.com/hotels/Regal_Constellation.htm
lind of funny
found this too, lost of cool shots in this thread
Great post Jonathan.
My mom & dad got married at the Regal Constellation (38 yrs ago this week) and for me I've always associated the modern towers with the time and place of my parent's youth. I hope it is spared from the wrecking ball.
what a coincidence. I never adventure into abandoned buildings like this but I was compelled to explore the Regal earlier this year in april or may. I went twice, once alone during the day and once with a friend in the evening, but never took great pictures like these. On the second occasion, my friend and had to evade security when we noticed them peeking into the lobby of the building while we were about to explore one of the banquet halls on the main floor. What day/time did you go?
I had no idea about this place until I went to attend a business seminar at the Renaissance across the street.
Oh my freaking god that is one hideous mofo of a building. Seriously.
It was distinctive and not ugly at all. It was a bit of history where some could be needed. Without it, you have that otherwise generic and bland hotel strip.
No, I'm sure the next 15 beige stucco hotels will be a grand improvement!
Thanks, guys!
Inspired by Yokes comment:
Jonathan.
wwgreat pics. has anyone gone in to regal lately would it be eery,would there be birds and rats and weird things in there. would it be safe or would it be all mould and decay. what would happen if someone went in to exploreé
I miss this place. I remember when Anime North used to be held there, the last couple years before it closed down. Even with thousands of people running about the complex, it always seemed spacious, always with more room to spare.
Sure, the hotel rooms were pretty crappy, even by airport strip standards, but the meeting space was endless and excellent.
Very nice pictures, great angles and lighting. I visited the regal recently to take pictures and explore. It was an interesting experience as I ran into another couple doing the same thing. My visit made for some interesting photographs though.
thanks for the memories. i apprenticed to be a pastry chef in the 1983 thru 1986. what a great experience it was working there. the kalmars were very nice people to work for. it sad to see it in the shape it is in now. back when i was there, there was so much business it wasnt funny !! i think of the hotel often, since it was my beginning to where i am now. i own my own bakery now in atlanta and want to thank the chefs for doing all they taught me. THANKS EVERYONE
I drive by the Constellation all the time and have always been fascinated by its almost LA-Vegas inspired mod-architecture. Yah, it seems ugly to most now... but it was cutting edge back in the day. Also, at least it is interesting...compared to say the double tree down the street....which is hideous!
I love that everyone on this comment board has a story... I truly hope whoever acquires this property that they take the time to preserve at least a few pieces of the history. I saw photos on a site (urban explorer maybe?) that were fantastic. The bar looks like it was a rockin place at one time!
Cheers
Does anyone recall if the Regal Constellation ever housed a movie theatre? As a child, my mother I went to a hotel in that area (early/mid 80's), with a theatre. It may or may not have been in operation, as we never did watch films there (despite my insistence). The hotel we were in also had escalators in the lobby area.
I remember the exterior of Regal Constellation vividly, but it may not have been the one.
Liz :)
If it was an actual movie theatre, then it's more likely to have been down the road at what is now the Doubletree. The Constellaton had the "Aquarius Theatre" that was only generally used for small live performances, not movies.
Andrew (former compiler of the Regal Constellation Memorial Website)
Went exploring while attending a course at the travelodge across the street. Went in at three am and was one of the creepiest adventures of my life. We made it all the way up to the lounge/bar on the top floor then went to the roof for a killer view. Didnt see any squaters, but that doesnt mean they arent there! Definetly an eery late night adventure. Wish i would have had the camera, but hopefully ill make it back.
Liz the former movie theatre (Skyline 2) was in what was then known as the Skyline Hotel. Its the Renaissance Hotel now. I think the conference center area is what used to be the theatre. Across from it, Famous Players also had the Skyway 6 Cinemas which is now Jack Astor's (was also Le Bifteque for a while). The Skyline 2 closed in 1991 and the Skyway 6 in 1999.
i stayed for 4 nights in the regal constellation with my family in 1992 for my 30th birthday, and it was a great hotel with great service. we took pictures of the kids next to the airplane that was in front of the hotel and we enjoyed the magic carpet lounge. i hope they renovate the hotel besides demolishing it, the hotel is literally a landmark now and stands out amongst the other buildings in its retro mid-century styling.also it was built in the same year that i was born!
May 14th, 1968 my wife and I stayed at The Constellation for two glorious days of our honeymoon. Went to Old Woodbine fgor the races and has some delicious meals in the hotel's restaurnats. We were hoping to go back there on our 50th anniversary. Sorry to see how it ended up,
i remember this hotel when i was 16 i was going to florida with my parents had an awesome time in this hotel it was huge. i remembered swimming in january in the indoor out door pool and watching the planes fly over head every minute it seemed. Yes this hotel was always packed. Went a couple of years ago to take my kids just to get away drove up to the hotel and didnt realize it was closed wondered as i drove up why it was so quiet figured we would have a pool all to our selves but it was closed down. Great memeoies of this hotel will never forget the time i spent there. sorry to see it go but times change, thanks warren flint
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