Stunning new facility
The Loyola Jesuit Hall and Conference Centre is a newly opened multi-purpose venue on Concordia’s west-end campus. Formerly known as the Refectory, the new space boasts high-tech multimedia capabilities balanced with the charm and elegance of the stately building.
Open to the public, the newly refurbished space is warm and inviting. The decor is a deft combination of modern, blonde wood doors and floor in the main room that contrast with the more traditional dark wood window and door frames and carpeting of the adjoining rooms. A gas fireplace and modern set of leather couches add to the coziness while the glass wall and steel lighting fixtures give the room a contemporary feel. A seminar room and two small conference rooms, connected by a lounge, are on the second floor.
The two kitchens and state-of-the-art equipment are key features of the new venue, which is expected to house a broad range of events, including cocktail parties and weddings. “We expect the facility to elevate the kinds of events we can host,” says Marie-France Watson, event planner and business officer in Conference Services and primary contact for the space.
The kitchens are used by any one of Concordia’s approved local caterers. On January 26, at a pre-opening for event coordinators, four caterers were on hand to share their delectable wares.
Caterers Fino, Las Olas, Avec Plaisirs, Agnus Dei delighted guests with a range of mouth-watering appetizers including creamy panna cotta, risottos, duck and desserts.
The venue also represents a change in paradigm for Hospitality Concordia. While historically events have been organized with multiple components not necessarily offered by the same department of service, and charged individually, the Loyola Jesuit Hall and Conference Centre is booked as a package, so the one the rental fee includes the room, furniture set-up and tear-down, to provide a one-stop shop for event organizers.
The information technology capabilities were carefully considered in their installation. The rooms are all wired in a way that allows different multimedia to be played in each of the rooms, or for all rooms to have exactly the same presentations, if so desired. Services and rates provided by Instructional and Information Technology Services (IITS) for events at the centre vary depending on the needs.
The Jesuit Hall is a Scottish baronial-style brick building that housed a Roman Catholic boys school in 1916. It originally served as a dining hall, infirmary and meeting hall. It has also housed various academic and administrative units of the university, most recently the Department of Music.
In an effort to celebrate its 100th anniversary, and to revitalize the Loyola Campus, the Loyola Alumni Association raised $4 million towards the Loyola Refectory Restoration Campaign.
“Hospitality Concordia is delighted to be managing such a fabulous and multi-purpose venue and eager to assist the community host successful events, both professional and personal, in this venue,” says Marie-Josée Allard, director of Hospitality Concordia. “We also look forward to welcoming more guests to future open houses we will be hosting in collaboration with our caterers, giving everyone an opportunity to enjoy their visit at the centre.”
The centre opens on Wednesday, February 1. For reservation requests, contact Watson at 514-848-2424, ext. 5454, or at mwat@alcor.concordia.ca.
Related links:
• Loyola Jesuit Hall and Conference Centre site (including floor plans and booking information)
• Hospitality Concordia