Balzac's Café - Powerhouse

Built in the 1840's, Balzac's newest location on Powerhouse Street was once home to the Canada Foundry, where steel and cast iron goods were manufactured. In 1923 the building was sold to Canadian General Electric, manufacturers of the electrical transformers that once powered the city of Toronto. Left abandoned from the 1980s until 2013, the space has since undergone extensive renovations and updates, including the addition of geothermal heating.

 

The eclectic venue celebrates the golden era of electrical technology and art-deco design, with classic features such as high wood plank ceilings, exposed brick, industrial light fixtures, broken joint ceramic tile floors and Carrara marble with brass inlay. The addition of custom wall paper, terracotta plants, Balzac's signature vintage style posters and Parisian inspired furniture strikes the perfect balance between masculine and feminine, industrial and art-deco. All together, it creates a unique and memorable backdrop for any special occasion including weddings, corporate parties, cocktail receptions and workshops.

 

Included in the rental of the space is the use of the cafe furniture, Sonos music system, walk-in cooler outfitted with 3 draught taps for wine, beer and/or cold brew coffee, as well as a barista to prepare Balzac's signature beverages on our Black Eagle espresso machine. Please note that as we operate daily as a cafe, we are only able to accommodate events during the evening.

 

We invite you to pop by the cafe during during the day or schedule a tour with our Events Coordinator.