Built in 1929, landmark Toronto restaurant and event venue the Arcadian Court has hosted auspicious events like Canada’s first auto show and Sotheby’s first auction outside of Great Britain. The space has undergone two renovations since opening and on January 1 began its third. Oliver and Bonacini, which signed on as exclusive service provider last February, is heading up the restoration of the historic space and plans to introduce two new adjoining spaces: the modern Arcadian Loft and the Oliver and Bonacini Client Planning Boutique.
The renovations are inspired by the Arcadian's Art Deco roots. The chandeliers will be repurposed and the walls redone to resemble the original space, while the skylights will be circular instead of square and the built-in banquettes that surround that room will be removed. Oliver & Bonacini will also invest heavily in the room’s acoustic quality. The 8,000-square-foot space will be able to accommodate 1,200 when it reopens in April this year.
The mezzanine above the Arcadian Court will be modernized and extended to wrap completely around the Arcadian. Intended as a pre-function space, the 7,924-square-foot area will have a lounge vibe with built-in seating and bar. Curtained alcoves will overlook the Arcadian below.
Scheduled to open in the spring is the 6,773-square-foot addition known as the Arcadian Loft, a former food court with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Old City Hall and Nathan Phillips Square. When completed, air walls will divide the event space into five smaller rooms, each outfitted with screens, projectors, and dimmers. Gray wood floors will play into the neutral colour palette of the new venue, which will include a moveable, satellite bar.
This winter, Oliver and Bonacini will also open a Client Planning Boutique in the upper level of the Arcadian, where clients can get a glass of champagne while they plan out a menu or event with the O&B team.
