The Storys Building: A Raw Multilevel Event Space

After generating much buzz by hosting the star-studded Grey Goose Soho House lounge during the Toronto International Film Festival, Toronto entrepreneurs Hanif Harji and Charles Khabouth officially opened the Storys Building in October. The 170-year-old, four-storey building currently offers three floors of event space and will continue to evolve next year.

The ground floor is currently under construction and will become the Tavern restaurant in May. The restaurant will seat 60 to 80 guests and will have a sidewalk patio.

The second floor is ideal for a cocktail reception. It features a built-in bar stretching down one side of the room and a kitchen in the back. The windows in the space are tinted yellow, emanating a golden glow. The space has a capacity of about 200 for a reception, but the floor will close in January to renovate and reopen as a cocktail lounge in February.

The third and fourth floors are exclusively for events. Both floors have the same layout, each with a capacity of 140 seated and 220 standing and large windows overlooking Pearl and Duncan Streets. On both levels, Harji plans to add chandeliers, redo the floors, and panel some of the exposed brick.

After the building’s freight elevator is renovated in February, the team will get to work on the rooftop patio, which is slated to open in September, just in time to make the Storys Building a TIFF hot-spot for the second year in a row.

Photo: Courtesy of The Storys Building

On the second floor cocktail space, windows are tinted and give the room a golden glow. Chandeliers hang from the ceiling and a bar stretches down one wall.

Photo: BizBash

The third-floor space has the same layout as the fourth floor, but it comes with sheer drapes on the windows.

Photo: Courtesy of The Storys Building

On the third floor, casement windows open to Pearl Street.

Photo: Courtesy of The Storys Building

Guests have access to Persian rugs, mismatched furniture, and ping-pong tables that the Storys Building keeps in storage.

Photo: Courtesy of The Storys Building

On the third floor, windows are draped and the ceiling is painted black. Exposed brick and beams give the space a raw feel. New flooring and chandeliers will be added in the coming months.

Photo: BizBash