Imperial Room Heritage Property Plaque, 2020.
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Original JPG File7350 × 4650 pixels (34.18 MP) 62.2 cm × 39.4 cm @ 300 PPI 3.6 MB |
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Resource ID
8195
Access
Open
Address
100 Front St W, Toronto, ON M5J 1E3
Date of Creation
2020
Historical Themes
Architectural Heritage, Entertainment and Leisure, Music History
Program Category
Historical Plaques
Time Period
1900-1953, 1954-1998
Caption
Imperial Room Heritage Property Plaque, 2020.
Description
The Imperial Room dates from the opening of the Royal York Hotel in 1929. Its design reflects many European influences: the main floor has a ceiling with octagonal coffers and the columns are made of travertine limestone. During and after the Second World War, dinner and dancing at the Imperial Room was a popular way for returning soldiers to celebrate with their loved ones, and the room became one of the city’s most popular music venues. From the 1960s to the 1980s, the Imperial Room was a Las Vegas–style showroom that was popular with celebrities and dignitaries. It featured luxury dinners and performances by top artists. Bandleader and promoter Moxie Whitney and his orchestra played almost nightly from 1948 to 1972. Famous maître d’ Louis Jannetta ran the floor starting in 1963, and renowned promoter Gino Empry booked the Imperial Room stage from 1972 to 1989.