Opportunity 
The original Ballroom Bowl on John St. is one of the only and longest-running bowling alleys in downtown Toronto. The opportunity for The Ballroom Bowl Yorkville is to present a high-end bowling experience like no other in Toronto’s most up-scale neighborhood. The client is a well-established operator that will bring a unique entertainment destination to the core of Bloor-Yorkville, something that is deeply missed in the area currently. With direct access to the Bloor-Yonge subway line, surrounding offices, and unprecedented residential density in the area, The Ballroom is the perfect addition to the neighbourhood.

Response
The project is designed to be a sophisticated take on a traditional bowling ally, thoughtfully elevating this unique destination. Patrons are greeted by a wood feature ceiling with integrated lighting. The city collage wall graphic, designed by mcCallumSather’s project designer, Henry Dowling, captures Toronto’s vibrancy, with several nods to its neighbouring city, Hamilton. The lounge area offers an open kitchen view and curved cave-like acoustic control. A bar with concealed TVs, walnut and brass detailing, sits beside the dining area with both booth and table seating, feature lighting pendants and a 3-sided water vapour fireplace. The VIP area integrates private bowling lanes, elevated millwork features, leather couch seating, and full-screen TVs.

Sustainability
The adaptive reuse of the space, formerly the McEwan grocery store, retained the former washroom rough-ins, a significant portion of the existing commercial kitchen and back-of-house areas, as well as the existing concrete floor and columns, some fixtures, and glazing, all adding to the sustainability of the design choices. Back-of-house admin areas were repurposed for reuse by Ballroom staff, minimizing demolition.