Union Station Revitalization
April 11, 2012
Historic lounge makes a glamorous comeback
The Panorama Lounge, whose history goes back to 1927, returns to Union Station, boasting many of the original architectural and design elements and the latest in electronic gadgetry.
Located on the ground floor in the station's west wing, the new Panorama Lounge is filled with natural light and enjoys a prime location with Front Street views and proximity to the famed Great Hall.
The restored and renovated space offers a mix of old and new. 
Original architectural and design elements,such as the room's long, narrow shape, large windows, marble walls, plaster ceilings and cornice detailing, provide an elegant and glamorous backdrop for modern amenities, including Wi-Fi and flat screen televisions.
Designed for VIA Rail business and touring class customers, the 6,000-square-foot Panorama Lounge is more than twice as large as VIA's previous lounge on the station's lower level. The old space is now closed for construction.
The Panorama Lounge is the first major milestone achieved on Union Station's revitalization and marks the first piece of heritage restoration and improved infrastructure at the station.
VIA customers began using the newly renovated and improved space on January 30.
The Panorama Lounge was funded through the overall revitalization budget of $640 million. The revitalization is a tri-governmental initiative. The Government of Canada is contributing up to $164 million (up to a maximum of $133 million from the Building Canada Fund, $25 million from VIA Rail and $6 million from the Transit-Secure Fund) toward the project. The Government of Ontario is contributing up to $172 million to the revitalization, and the City of Toronto is contributing the remaining $304 million.
To see more pictures of the new Panorama Lounge, visit the image gallery.
