Fairmont Royal York Hotel, Toronto

The Fairmont Royal York, also known as the Royal York, is a prestigious historic hotel located in Toronto. Situated in Downtown Toronto's Financial District, it stands proudly at the southern end. Ross and Macdonald, in collaboration with Sproatt and Rolph, designed the Royal York, which was constructed by the Canadian Pacific Railway company.

This magnificent building, completed on June 11, 1929, reaches a height of 124 meters (407 feet) and boasts 28 floors. It holds a distinguished status as one of Canada's magnificent railway hotels. Upon its completion, the Royal York briefly held the title of Toronto's tallest building, as well as the tallest in the entire country and the British Empire.

However, the nearby Canadian Bank of Commerce Tower surpassed its height the following year. Over the years, the building has undergone several extensive renovations, with the first significant refurbishment occurring in 1972. An underground walkway connecting the hotel with the Royal Bank Plaza and Union Station is a part of Toronto's PATH underground city system.

The Châteauesque-style hotel showcases a row of pointed arches on the third floor, along with a small peaked roof featuring charming dormers at its summit. Additionally, the hotel features griffin-shaped grotesques at various corners. The exterior of the building is crafted from Indiana Limestone, enveloping the hotel's 28-story steel frame. Alongside the traditional elements commonly found in Châteauesque-style hotels, this building incorporates Art Deco setbacks and Romanesque-inspired decorations.