The Drake Hotel Toronto opens its ‘Modern Wing’

The Drake Hotel re-opened 17 years ago, transforming the historic 19th-century building into a contemporary art and culture destination that has contributed to the re-invigoration of West Queen St. West. Today, the property continues its evolution, unveiling a brand-new Modern Wing—a vibrant five-story contemporary building adjoining the original hotel. It offers 32 additional guest rooms, an intimate street-facing bar, meeting and event spaces and a new hotel lobby, capped with a polished steel, cantilevered rooftop level suite.

Born from the creativity of The Drake’s in-house design and art curation teams in collaboration with Diamond Schmitt Architects and DesignAgency for interior design, the Modern Wing’s welcoming spaces are unique to themselves, awash in warm tones, patterns and local artistry. CompanyCompany re-imagined the popular Sky Yard and original Classic Wing Lobby, bringing an inventive and sophisticated update to the original hotel side.

Atop the Modern Wing sits the Rooftop Terrace Suite, with its oversized outdoor terrace and enviable views of the Toronto Cityscape. This “apartment in the sky,” comprising two bedrooms, two full washrooms, kitchenette with bar, large living room and enviable patio, was designed to harness elements of a boxcar while creating a sophisticated retreat that is equal parts residence and private social space.

Throughout the hotel is a variety of exceptional artworks by a diverse group of local and international artists. Behind the reception desk is Toronto-based Stephanie Temma Hier’s Evening Shadows and a Skittish Whisper, a multi-dimensional mixed medium artwork of linen, oil paint and sculpture. In the lobby, Ajax-Ontario’s Malik McCoy presents a 3-D generated animated video titled Botanist. From Iqaluit, Saimaiyu Akesuk’s bright illustration adorns the entire back wall of the lobby’s RM111. Micah Lexier’s Newspaper was commissioned to commemorate the opening of the Modern Wing. Artworks can be found in stairwells, hallways, public spaces and guestrooms representing a plethora of mediums and artists.