For a long time, the Phoenix Concert Theatre held it down as the only mid-sized concert venue in the city. A place where up-and-coming international acts like, say, Billie Eilish could play before hitting the theatres and arenas. Now, after more than three decades on Sherbourne Street, one of the city’s best-known live music venues is planning a new west-end home in Parkdale.
According to a news release, Phoenix Concert Theatre has submitted plans to the City of Toronto to relocate to the historic Parkdale Hall at 1605 Queen St. W.
Rezoning and other city approvals are still required, and until that happens, and construction is complete, both venues will operate at their current locations. The Phoenix is set to remain at its existing Sherbourne Street location through 2027.
The move would unit two pieces of Toronto entertainment history.
The Phoenix opened in 1991 and has since become one of the city’s best-known mid-sized concert venues, hosting thousands of artists such as Billie Eilish, Sting and Shaggy.
“Over more than 35 years, The Phoenix has become much more than another concert venue: it is a community space where Toronto audiences discover new artists, where established performers return to connect more closely with their fans, and where countless memorable nights become part of the city’s musical history,” said Lisa Zbitnew, co-owner and operator of The Phoenix Concert Theatre.
“Now, the vision is to carry that legacy into a building with an entertainment history that stretches back more than a century.”
The Parkdale Hall opened as the Parkdale Theatre in 1920. It was designed by architect C. Howard Crane, who also designed the Danforth Music Hall.
The new venue, with the Phoenix as the anchor, is expected to have a capacity comparable to the current Phoenix.
“There is something incredibly fitting about bringing The Phoenix to Parkdale Hall,” said Alex Chan, president of the Parkdale Hall. “This building was created for entertainment more than 100 years ago, and The Phoenix has spent more than three decades creating its own remarkable history in Toronto.”
The Phoenix says the move would preserve the character and independent spirit of the existing venue while allowing it to expand in a new setting.
Pat Tobin, general manager of the City of Toronto’s Economic Development and Culture Division, described the Phoenix as an important part of the city’s independent music scene
“Fiercely independent and Canadian-owned, The Phoenix is a critical and vibrant part of Toronto’s live music scene,” said Tobin. “Working to hold and grow independent live music venues in Toronto, we are encouraged and inspired by the rebirth of one of our city’s flagship destinations for musicians, music fans and incredible memories.”
The Phoenix on Sherbourne Street is not closing tomorrow, it will take time. But if the plans are approved, one of the city’s best-known venues will trade its longtime east-end address for a historic building on Queen Street West.
