Toronto's Forgotten Landmarks: Regal Constellation Hotel

regal constellation hotelSitting 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.

regal constellation hotelWhat 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.

regal constellation hotelWhen 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.

regal constellation hotelPlans 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:

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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.

Posted by: David E [TypeKey Profile Page] at October 7, 2008 9:37 AM

I meant to say the appearance didn't matter. Sorry.

Posted by: David E at October 7, 2008 9:38 AM

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).

Posted by: Sean Galbraith at October 7, 2008 10:06 AM

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.

Posted by: TonyW at October 7, 2008 10:12 AM

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.

Posted by: Jonathan Castellino at October 7, 2008 10:23 AM

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.

Posted by: Kate at October 7, 2008 10:25 AM

I stayed there overnight in September 1986 ... I was on my home to Nova Scotia from my honeymoon in Jamaica with my first husband.

Posted by: Teena in Toronto at October 7, 2008 10:35 AM

Geek alert - I went to many a Star Trek convention there when I was a kid. ;)

Posted by: Matt at October 7, 2008 11:19 AM

If I may jack your posting with a couple shots of my own:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/smlg/tags/regalconstellation/show/

Posted by: Sean Galbraith at October 7, 2008 2:07 PM

Awesome shots Jonathan!

I went there in December last year.

http://flickr.com/photos/bigdaddyhame/sets/72157603450200314/

Might be time for another foray!

Posted by: Hamish Grant at October 7, 2008 2:22 PM

Another great post of photos/information for us Toronto landmark geeks. Thank you.

Posted by: O. Terry [TypeKey Profile Page] at October 7, 2008 2:51 PM

yet another killer post, Id love to see more shots inside. these are my fave blog to posts.

Posted by: steph at October 7, 2008 4:45 PM
Posted by: steph at October 7, 2008 4:57 PM

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.

Posted by: KevinH at October 7, 2008 8:17 PM

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?

Posted by: vlvlv at October 7, 2008 9:07 PM

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.

Posted by: Ian at October 7, 2008 9:54 PM

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!

Posted by: A.R. at October 8, 2008 12:42 AM
Posted by: Jonathan Castellino at October 9, 2008 3:27 PM

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