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To think it was almost a parking lot. Erected in 1911, and vacated by the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in 1969, the neo-classical gem at 389 Main Street—now known as the Millennium Centre—was saved (barely) from flattening almost 40 years ago, thanks to public outrage and swift action from city council. Designated a Grade I Heritage building in 1979, it was nonetheless left empty until the turn of this century, when a combination of preservationist and business initiatives took it from bleak to chic.
Presently managed and rented out by The Storm Catering, the grand building is now more a centre of play than of business, with the main floor lending conventions, weddings, feasts and other social events a pronounced historical accent. Up to 350 guests, conventioneers and party people can—for $3,000 an evening and up—eat, drink and be merry surrounded by massive, yet coolly elegant, marble walls, beneath a grand 52-foot stained glass ceiling dome. And that’s just the Celebration Hall. The adjacent Tapestry Room is an executive-class chill space, complete with original mahogany fireplace, high-backed gold leaf boardroom chairs and cushy leather furniture. No wonder this was the venue of choice for, among others, the 2005 Junos after-party. What better surroundings to set off The Beautiful People? |
