f these walls could speak, they’d probably sing. After having undergone an extensive restoration process, the Palais is promising to pump life into Toronto’s west end waterfront area. It is extending its public event lineup, as well as offering an eclectic mix of one-of-a-kind events. In the upcoming months alone, organizers are hosting a southern style Gospel brunch, an indie pop night, and a chocolate ball in support of breast cancer.

“The new leasers really breathed life into this historic building,” says Nanci Malek, President of Bentertainment. Malek was hired to promote and organize events for the ‘new’ Palais. “I want everyone to feel comfortable here,” says Malek. “Whether you’re dressed up in sequined gowns or wearing jeans.”

Originally built as a boathouse in 1922, the Palais Royale quickly earned its name as a musical hot spot in Toronto. From the Lindy Hop to screaming guitar riffs, everyone from Dizzy Gillespie to the Rolling Stones performed here.

Now, the space is in loving hands; the Pegasus Corporation worked closely with the Historic Society to restore the original foundation. The exterior of the building is exactly the same, only with more polish. Inside, the architectural moldings have all been preserved, and new windows on the west side of the building have opened up the space, allowing natural light and the gaze of passer-bys to catch a glimpse inside. You can even see where the boats used to enter into the basement from the top balcony, and a large waterfront patio offers spectacular views of the cityscape.