Ontario Construction News staff writer
As project construction manager, Flat Iron Building Group has unveiled its $13.5 million “Room for Imagination” expansion project at Young People’s Theatre in Toronto.
More than 10 years in the making, the now-completed major renovation project turned Young People’s Theatre into Canada’s largest state-of-the-art theatre complex for young people,” said Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, actor. “In my life, YPT has always been there.
“This is not just a building, this is not just a theatre for me. This is a place where you can have dreams and have these dreams come true.”
This project included renovations at YPT’s renowned Heritage venue, as well as a new facility across the street at 161 Frederick Street – YPT 161 Studios, including:
- Enhanced accessibility features throughout the theatre building
- Spacious lobby areas doubled in size
- Redesigned box office and concession spaces, both accessible with touch-free patron features
- Additional accessibility in the orchestra of YPT’s Ada Slaight Stage
- Expansions and upgrades to backstage areas and dressing rooms, including barrier-free features to better accommodate artists with varying abilities
- Larger props, set-building and scenic painting workshops
- Upgraded theatrical equipment, vastly reducing YPT’s environmental footprint
An additional 12,000 square feet at 161 Frederick Street – now YPT 161 Studios – features purpose-built spaces for YPT’s ever-expanding education initiatives, community programs and Drama School, including:
- Three accessible studio/classrooms and barrier-free washrooms;
- A Mainstage-size TD Rehearsal Hall
- An expanded BMO Costume Shop with natural light
- Administrative offices
- Rental spaces serving the wider community
- A street-level café
YPT’s two buildings anchor the corner of Front and Frederick streets in downtown Toronto.
