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Most of us are so afeared of the neon ladies we daren't go in.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TORONTO, March 04, 2020 – Streetcar Developments and Dream Unlimited, are pleased to announce the purchase of Toronto's Gladstone Hotel, the city's oldest continually operating hotel in the vibrant and dynamic West Queen West community.
The Gladstone, currently owned by the Zeidler family, underwent a major renovation in 2005 led by architect Eb Zeidler, to preserve the landmark building’s historical significance. Under the vision and leadership of Christina Zeidler, the Gladstone Hotel became an internationally recognized cultural tourism destination and a hospitality industry leader. The younger Zeidler has managed the business for the past 15 years, making it a hub for the arts in Canada and winning the Mayor’s Toronto Arts and Business Award in 2019.
"The decision to sell the Hotel is a personal one," says Christina Zeidler, President, Gladstone Hotel. who has plans to move on to other creative projects. "I looked for someone with the vision to carry on the legacy of the Gladstone Hotel. Someone who understands the historic significance but also its cultural significance. It took a long time to build the culture around the Gladstone. The commitment to continue to grow this vision is a dream come true."
"We have great respect for the West Queen West community and believe the Gladstone Hotel is a unique representation of the neighbourhood's art, culture and diversity," says Les Mallins, Founder & President of Streetcar Developments. "We look forward to amplifying the hotel's offerings with our refreshed vision, enhancing the current building while ensuring the property remains a staple within the community."
Zeidler continues, "Really it is the best possible scenario, not just for the building but for the staff and patrons who love this property and the culture around it. I have personally known the Streetcar team for years, as neighbours to the Gladstone, but also, significantly, as city builders.”
Both Streetcar and Dream have a track record of supporting Toronto's cultural community and restoring historic landmarks. In 2012, Streetcar Crowsnest opened its doors and has since become an arts and culture hub in the city’s east end. Dream’s Distillery District is Canada’s premier arts, culture, and entertainment destination, which has the largest collection of Victorian architecture.
“We are excited to add the Gladstone hotel to our portfolio of character buildings of historical significance, which includes the Bay Street Collection, Distillery District, and the Broadview Hotel,” says Michael Cooper, Chief Responsible Officer of Dream Unlimited. “We believe in building inclusive communities, and designing exceptional places to create, inspire, and bring the community together.”
Streetcar and Dream transformed The Broadview Hotel, a 127-year-old landmark, into a luxury boutique hotel, bringing a much needed amenity to Queen Street East and its community. By acquiring the Gladstone Hotel, the partnership retains ownership of two historic properties, bookmarking the city from east to west. They look forward to being stewards to the Gladstone Hotel, while ensuring it is a cultural destination for many years to come. Crescent Hotels & Resorts will oversee both properties as the hotel management company.
CBRE Hotels was privileged to advise Zeidler in reviewing strategic options for this historic property and finding a buyer with a vision that could embrace the Gladstone's heritage, thoughtful building restoration, cultural and social community awareness and business foundation. Streetcar and Dream are set to take ownership of the property later this month.
Streetcar Developments and Dream Unlimited Announce Acquisition of Gladstone Hotel,
in Toronto's most creative neighbourhoodOwners of The Broadview Hotel purchase West Queen West landmark, creating culture and character-rich
boutique hotel portfolio
in Toronto's most creative neighbourhoodOwners of The Broadview Hotel purchase West Queen West landmark, creating culture and character-rich
boutique hotel portfolio
TORONTO, March 04, 2020 – Streetcar Developments and Dream Unlimited, are pleased to announce the purchase of Toronto's Gladstone Hotel, the city's oldest continually operating hotel in the vibrant and dynamic West Queen West community.
The Gladstone, currently owned by the Zeidler family, underwent a major renovation in 2005 led by architect Eb Zeidler, to preserve the landmark building’s historical significance. Under the vision and leadership of Christina Zeidler, the Gladstone Hotel became an internationally recognized cultural tourism destination and a hospitality industry leader. The younger Zeidler has managed the business for the past 15 years, making it a hub for the arts in Canada and winning the Mayor’s Toronto Arts and Business Award in 2019.
"The decision to sell the Hotel is a personal one," says Christina Zeidler, President, Gladstone Hotel. who has plans to move on to other creative projects. "I looked for someone with the vision to carry on the legacy of the Gladstone Hotel. Someone who understands the historic significance but also its cultural significance. It took a long time to build the culture around the Gladstone. The commitment to continue to grow this vision is a dream come true."
"We have great respect for the West Queen West community and believe the Gladstone Hotel is a unique representation of the neighbourhood's art, culture and diversity," says Les Mallins, Founder & President of Streetcar Developments. "We look forward to amplifying the hotel's offerings with our refreshed vision, enhancing the current building while ensuring the property remains a staple within the community."
Zeidler continues, "Really it is the best possible scenario, not just for the building but for the staff and patrons who love this property and the culture around it. I have personally known the Streetcar team for years, as neighbours to the Gladstone, but also, significantly, as city builders.”
Both Streetcar and Dream have a track record of supporting Toronto's cultural community and restoring historic landmarks. In 2012, Streetcar Crowsnest opened its doors and has since become an arts and culture hub in the city’s east end. Dream’s Distillery District is Canada’s premier arts, culture, and entertainment destination, which has the largest collection of Victorian architecture.
“We are excited to add the Gladstone hotel to our portfolio of character buildings of historical significance, which includes the Bay Street Collection, Distillery District, and the Broadview Hotel,” says Michael Cooper, Chief Responsible Officer of Dream Unlimited. “We believe in building inclusive communities, and designing exceptional places to create, inspire, and bring the community together.”
Streetcar and Dream transformed The Broadview Hotel, a 127-year-old landmark, into a luxury boutique hotel, bringing a much needed amenity to Queen Street East and its community. By acquiring the Gladstone Hotel, the partnership retains ownership of two historic properties, bookmarking the city from east to west. They look forward to being stewards to the Gladstone Hotel, while ensuring it is a cultural destination for many years to come. Crescent Hotels & Resorts will oversee both properties as the hotel management company.
CBRE Hotels was privileged to advise Zeidler in reviewing strategic options for this historic property and finding a buyer with a vision that could embrace the Gladstone's heritage, thoughtful building restoration, cultural and social community awareness and business foundation. Streetcar and Dream are set to take ownership of the property later this month.
JasonParis
Moderator
I'd feel better if it remained in the Zeidler's hands, but I don't see this as indicative of any huge changes either (as per usage or programming).
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JasonParis
Moderator
Also, it would be nice if they could return the steeple with the property's now deeper pockets.
smably
Senior Member
Yes! Bring back the cupola!
(image via http://now-and-then-toronto.blogspot.com/2009/01/queen-street-west-gladstone-hotel-dates.html)
(image via http://now-and-then-toronto.blogspot.com/2009/01/queen-street-west-gladstone-hotel-dates.html)
Towered
Superstar
Get rid of of that cheap looking sign as well.
AlbertC
Superstar
What’s in store for the Gladstone Hotel? New bathrooms, no condos, says new owner
By Tess Kalinowski Real Estate Reporter
Thu., March 5, 2020
/https://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/news/gta/2020/03/05/whats-in-store-for-the-gladstone-hotel-new-bathrooms-no-condos-says-new-owner/_1_gladstone.jpg)
www.thestar.com
By Tess Kalinowski Real Estate Reporter
Thu., March 5, 2020
What’s in store for the Gladstone Hotel? New bathrooms, no condos, says new owner
Streetcar Developments founder says he’s committed to the Queen West art hub’s culture and character.
Towered
Superstar
Would love to see the cupola restored. That would be truly grand. Considering what Streetcar invested into the Broadview, I could see them going for that here.
Someone should tweet that awesome side-by-side picture a few posts up to them!
Someone should tweet that awesome side-by-side picture a few posts up to them!
CapitalSeven
Senior Member
I don't think that's a cupola exactly. Isn't more of a spire? Can someone help us here?
vatche
Senior Member
Can it be restored Though? Where is the missing part?
junctionist
Senior Member
It's a spire. It would have to be rebuilt from photos, drawings, and plans if they're still around.
Midtown Urbanist
Superstar
Diversifying their portfolio I suppose.
3Dementia
Senior Member
A new roof here ain't a spire it's a roof. Hope they do it.
concrete_and_light
Active Member
I think it would likely end up tacky if they try to restore the old roof — and anyway, the version of the Gladstone that has resonated with the Toronto that exists now is the flat-roofed building. Dressing it up, trying to harken back to some gilded past age would end up feeling alienating to the community and would be quite a potent symbol of the empty opulence of the affordability crisis in this city.
jje1000
Senior Member
Why so? What makes restoring an old roof- or for that matter, a cornice- something that is forbidden by current architectural dogma, or by outstanding issues?
We don't need to be an utilitarian city- and utilitarian cities are no joy to live in anyways. We should be reminded that an immediate post-war Europe, in the thralls of economic depression and housing shortages, still found the chance to repair many of its damaged heritage structures where possible ( more were actually lost in the later post-war modernization drive).
Anyways, I think it could be interesting if they restored the roofline, and created a modern interpretation of the turret. I wonder if rooftop access is a possibility?
the old roof for reference:
History Archives - Gladstone Hotel
www.gladstonehotel.com
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