In 1892, a group of optimistic merchants and politicians founded a businessmen’s club in the heart of fledgling Vancouver. More than a century later, that club has grown and flourished into what is known today as the Terminal City Club, one of Canada’s most distinguished private organizations. 

In continuing with a longstanding tradition of excellence, the club is constantly progressing to embrace future generations of members while maintaining the distinguishing standards of its founders. Today, members and guests are invited to stay at the luxurious boutique hotel and enjoy a wide variety of updated facilities and services.

Terminal City Club is situated in the heart of the financial district, adjacent to the trendy Coal Harbour neighbourhood. It serves as a luxurious retreat for business professionals who live and work in the downtown core. The club’s luxury boutique hotel is also conveniently located  one block from the Vancouver Convention Centre and Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal. Here, long-standing members and new guests are enjoying the newly updated facilities, a project that began in January 2008.

The multimillion-dollar project was placed in the hands of a local Vancouver company, Seeton Shinkewski Design Group (SSDG) Ltd. The new design draws elements from the original 19^th-century establishment with modern upgrades and amenities so that the club continues to honour tradition, but embrace the future.

Changes to the club’s interior followed that same theme with a variety of beautiful upgrades (including new draperies, detailed wood mouldings and a complete redesign of the austere wooden panelling) complementing historic furnishings, such as original chandeliers from the Metropolitan Building hanging proudly in the new Metropolitan Ballroom.

The SSDG was awarded the Design Institute of BC’s Gold Medal for their work on the club’s renovation. “Seeton Shinkewski Design Group really hit the mark, incorporating the club’s motto ‘honouring tradition, embracing tomorrow’ into the restaurant and wine bar designs respectively,” says Kate MacDonald, events and communications manager.

The club is striving to change its image along with the physical structure itself. It currently boasts a membership of more than 1,600 individuals, some of whom are the great-great-great- grandchildren of original club members. While the club continues to cater to these loyal men and women, it is opening its doors to new members and, importantly, to guests.

Guests of the hotel are able to enjoy the benefits of membership, with access to the first-class facilities like the 25-metre ozonated indoor swimming pool, exercise gym, squash courts, spa services, banquet space, four of five dining outlets and a wine bar that features more than 300 labels. “We certainly hope they feel like members from the time they check in,” says MacDonald.

Of course, members benefit from exclusive new facilities, including the 1892 fine-dining restaurant featuring the very best local and seasonal food under the guidance of award-winning executive chef Jason Lloyd. Members also have access to the private Cuvée Wine Bar, Reading Room and Billiards Room.

Whether members or guests, patrons of the club are blown away by the grand staircase, dramatic backlit entryway to the ballroom and new dining facilities. “The newly renovated ballrooms have been in constant demand and weekends are booked months in advance for weddings and gala dinners. The renovation is truly a success,” says MacDonald. •

Photos courtesy of Terminal City Club