Office to hotel conversion begins in downtown Calgary
The project team says the new hotel could help revitalize the community and its economy.
Key Takeaways:
- The 12-floor, 170,000-square-foot office building constructed in 1982 will be converted into a 226-unit hotel in downtown Calgary.
- Announced in November as one of the City of Calgary’s downtown office conversion partners, the Element Hotel is the first hospitality project as part of the Downtown Calgary Development Incentive Program.
- Demolition is completed, with construction now underway, and project completion slated for the summer of 2025.
The Whole Story:
PBA Group of Companies (PBA) and its partner Concord Hospitality have officially started converting the former 12-storey office building in Downtown Calgary into an Element Hotel by Westin.
The building is a 12-floor, 170,000-square-foot office building constructed in 1982. PBA is converting the building’s existing office space and common areas into 226 fully appointed hotel suites, dining facilities and hotel guest amenities. Demolition is completed, with construction now underway, and project completion slated for the summer of 2025.
“We’re honoured to help take one of the first steps in transforming our downtown into a differentiated residential and recreational district that serves as a symbol of progressive inner city planning with this conversion,” said James Scott, senior vice president, planning and development, PBA Group of Companies. “We’re proud of our trusted partnership with Concord Hospitality and look forward to continuing the momentum with this novel conversion project which will have a notable impact in the community.”
Announced in November as one of the City of Calgary’s downtown office conversion partners, the Element Hotel is the first hospitality project as part of the Downtown Calgary Development Incentive Program. It will remove 170,000 square feet of unused office space from the city’s core.
PBA stated that the conversion project exemplifies the pivotal role that repurposing buildings plays in advancing sustainability principles within real estate, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and urban revitalization.
By offering extended-stay hotel units, PBA says it is adding to a range of choices within the hospitality sector, while supporting Calgary’s greater economic transition and welcoming a diverse mix of people to the downtown core.
Embracing a sustainable, nature-inspired aesthetic, the hotel offers expansive studios and one-bedroom suites, which are outfitted with fully equipped in-room kitchens, spa-inspired bathrooms and the Priority Bicycles program, where hotel guests can borrow bikes free of charge during their stay.
Infusing flexibility and convenience for groups, the Element brand pioneers a unique communal space known as Studio Commons. Centred around four guest rooms, this concept promotes community by allowing guests to cook, gather and unwind together within shared kitchen and living room areas, fostering a sense of togetherness and relaxation.
“Coming off the success of our first hotel development, The Dorian, this project brings a particular level of excitement for us at PBA as we look to create another dynamic, Calgary-centric property, but this time, in the west end of downtown, where our company began its nearly 60-year history,” said Scott. “Projects like this will help inject vitality into the community and contribute to Calgary’s reputation as a global city.”
