By DAVE KOSONIC
During it’s heyday the former Seaway Hotel at 2000 Lakeshore Blvd. W., had gained a following due to the building’ s sleek and innovative modern design that was a hit with Toronto residents.
The Seaway designers received a prestigious award for their architectural skills during the 38 years the hotel operated on the shores of Lake Ontario.
Completed in 1954, the former Seaway Hotel was described as one of the ’first truly Modernist motor hotels in Canada.’
“Its crisp, clean lines eschewed the kitschy themes of the time and earned architects Ants Elken and R.W. Becksted a 1955 Massey Silver Medal,” according to records.
This landmark building opened in 1955 and was demolished in 1993 to make space for an on-ramp to the Gardiner Expressway East.
Sources indicate that the Seaway originated from the Sunnyside Motor Hotel, near the popular Sunnyside Amusement Park, which in its heyday was a top Toronto hotspot.
During its era the Seaway experienced many interesting twists-and-turns. The original 1955 structure was three storeys tall and a 12-floor tower was added in 1963 that greatly increased the number of rooms.
During the post-war years the demand for motel-style accommodations steadily grew in an era of the popularity of the motorcar.
The designers stretched the Seaway horizontally so that guests could enjoy a southerly
view over Lake Ontario and enjoy the lights at night. Passersby recall that the structure was
painted white with the exception of the dark Roman red bricks at the ends of the building.
The white Seaway Hotel sign which later changed to the Seaway Towers Motor Hotel was quite visible as customers were looking for this place
The atmosphere at the Seaway was enhanced by wraparound balconies, a rooftop patio and a
swimming pool. Its restaurant, enclosed in glass as well as a lounge, and banquet hall
attracted many patrons. An elaborate green marble stairway led to a discreet bar.
The food and beverage servers at the Seaway were very classy and sophisticated and wore
finely-tailored outfits. But as the saying goes – all good things must come to an end.
Upon the Seaway demolition and the completion of the replacement Gardiner on-ramp
a new structure was constructed nearby. It is known as the Four Points By Sheraton Toronto
Lakeshore Hotel located at 1926 Lakeshore Blvd. W.
On a personal note. I took my high school sweetheart on a special date to the former
Seaway on her birthday back in the day for a fancy dinner in the dining room. Guess I was
trying to impress her. The legal age to consume alcohol then was 21 and neither of us had
reached that magic number. But the server just told us not to tell anyone and he gave us each
a nice little glass of wine.