When it comes to finding the perfect home, there are several important aspects to consider: location, amenities, and history. Palace Pier in the Humber Bay Shores neighbourhood of Etobicoke is home to two luxury residential complexes – Palace Pier and Palace Place. Both towers check all the boxes and also offer a unique and exceptional lifestyle on the waterfront. These iconic buildings have been a symbol of luxury living in Toronto for over four decades, and their history is as captivating as their architecture. More at torontoski.
In this article, we will delve into the rich history of Palace Pier and trace the evolution of these two landmark buildings over the years. We will talk about the main reasons why it is a great place to live, from its ideal location in the Humber Bay Shores community to its first-class amenities.
How did an entertainment pier turn into a condominium?
The site where Palace Pier stands today was once a wonderful recreation arena in Toronto. That is why it is a fascinating part of local history. The entertainment pier was a popular destination for both locals and tourists. It featured a variety of attractions, including a dance hall. Visitors could enjoy carnival games, live music, and delicious food. The pier itself was created by the Toronto Harbour Company, which was owned by two Canadian railway tycoons – William Mackenzie and Donald Mann.
They saw the pier as an opportunity to capitalize on the growing popularity of amusement parks in North America and attract more visitors to the area. Over the years, the pier underwent numerous changes and expansions. However, it also faced serious challenges, including a devastating fire in 1933 that destroyed many of the attractions. Despite all these difficulties, the pier remained popular throughout the 30s and 40s. However, changes in entertainment trends and the promotion of automobiles eventually led to a decline in visitors. In the 1950s, attempts were made to revitalize the pier with a major reconstruction project, but attendance continued to fall. As a result, the pier began to be used as a bingo hall and rented out for private events.
However, on January 7, 1963, it all came to an end: the structure was destroyed by a fire caused by arson. Since restoring the entire pier proved too expensive at the time, it was eventually dismantled.
As of 2024, Palace Pier is a beautiful residential complex that offers breathtaking views of Lake Ontario and the Toronto skyline. However, the pier’s legacy is not forgotten. The buildings were named in honour of the famous entertainment facility. In addition, the developers of the first building (Palace Pier) made efforts to preserve several artifacts, including its original gates, which can be seen in the complex’s lobby today.
The residents of this condominium also made a generous donation to install a monument in honour of the original pier, which is located on the west side of the pedestrian bridge over the Humber River. Interestingly, the monument was created from one of the concrete foundations that were used during the construction of the original structure.
History of Palace Pier as an entertainment centre
The opening of Palace Pier could be called a real miracle. When its first developers received official permission in 1927 to build a 1,800-foot-long entertainment complex on Lake Ontario, they envisioned a grand ballroom for 6,000 dancers, a “palace of amusements” with a bowling alley, a theatre and skating rink, covered walkways, and a steamboat landing. But a lack of funding and the Great Depression delayed the laying of the cornerstone for four years. As a result, only the ballroom was built, which remained empty for a decade.
In June 1941, Palace Pier finally opened as a roller rink. At a charity event supporting victims of the British bombings, famous comedian Bob Hope performed. After a short program, Hope signed autographs for an hour. According to the Toronto Star, he “mingled freely with the crowd, bursting into song whenever the spirit moved him, or dazzling the young beauties with his gaze”.
During the two decades that Palace Pier operated as an entertainment venue, it hosted performances by big bands, dance nights, political rallies, and boxing matches. That is why its closure came as a surprise to everyone. As mentioned earlier, a morning fire in January 1963, which was visible even from Buffalo, reduced the building to ruins. The site remained vacant for a decade until the construction of the residential complex began in the mid-1970s. Today, only one concrete pier from the original structure remains, located south of the Waterfront Trail and west of the Humber River.
About the first building of the residential complex
The first tower, built under the name Palace Pier at 2045 Lake Shore Blvd W in Etobicoke, has a rich history dating back to the 1970s. This iconic waterfront building has symbolized luxury living in Toronto for over four decades.
As the first of the two condominiums, Palace Pier was built in 1978 by Bramalea Limited, a company known for its innovative and modern designs. At that time, Palace Pier Condo was the largest residential building in Canada and became a prominent landmark on the Toronto skyline. The 46-storey building was designed by Edward Richmond of E.I. Richmond Architects Limited.
The original and modern design of the building
The initial design of Palace Pier was inspired by European palaces: a luxurious entrance, a marble lobby, and a grand staircase created an atmosphere of elegance. The building also featured amenities that were advanced for its time, including a squash court, a swimming pool, and a sauna. These luxurious features made Palace Pier a desirable location for those seeking premium waterfront living.
Over the years, Palace Pier has undergone several renovations and updates to meet modern demands. In the 1990s, the building underwent a massive $30 million renovation, which included the creation of a rooftop terrace, a fitness centre, and 24/7 concierge services. In 2015, another significant renovation was carried out, covering updates to common areas, landscaping, and modern amenities.
About the second building of the residential complex
Palace Place is another luxury residential high-rise building located at 1 Palace Pier Court in the prestigious Humber Bay Shores neighbourhood of Etobicoke. The second tower was built slightly later, specifically in the 1990s. It is known for its exceptional amenities and stunning views of Lake Ontario. Its construction was completed in 1993 under the direction of the Canadian developer Bramalea Limited. The building has 47 storeys and includes 429 residential units, ranging from one-bedroom apartments to spacious three-bedroom penthouses.
Although Palace Pier and Palace Place have a similar exterior appearance, both parts of the condominium are managed by different companies.