The new hotel aims to enhance the city's Downtown West,
setting a benchmark for urban revitalization
CALGARY,
AB, May 27, 2024 /CNW/ - PBA Group of
Companies (PBA) and its partner Concord Hospitality have
officially started converting the former 12-storey office building,
Canadian Centre (833 4th Ave. SW) into an Element Hotel by Westin.
PBA saw an opportunity to satisfy the growing demand for additional
room capacity in Downtown Calgary
and to drive economic impact. As a 226-suite hotel, with fully
furnished extended stay units, and a sophisticated design
aesthetic, the Element Hotel will offer guests a warm and
hospitable experience infused with cultural touches and elevated
details.
"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," says 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. This 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 – two key
priorities in building resiliency in Calgary's downtown community.
By offering extended-stay hotel units, PBA 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. This development is expected to introduce a
best-in-class model of flexible hospitality into the downtown
market. 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 innovative 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," says Scott. "Projects like this will help inject
vitality into the community and contribute to Calgary's reputation as a global city."
Element Hotel by Westin
Development Profile
Building Overview: 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.
Location: As a gateway to Calgary's city centre, the Element Hotel is
located on the west edge of Calgary's downtown core. Earmarked as an
emerging hub, it offers convenient accessibility via transit, car,
walking or biking. Its optimal location provides immediate
proximity to the picturesque Bow River, versatile multi-use
pathways and the West Eau Claire Park, the 8th Street urban
improvement corridor and stunning views overlooking the iconic
Louise Bridge and Kensington Village area.
Amenities:
- An elevated lobby lounge and café: Featuring a clean,
modern aesthetic where hotel guests and passersby will feel welcome
to settle in and capture the character of Calgary's downtown while enjoying
high-quality, specialty coffee using local and artisanal
ingredients.
- An upscale casual dining experience on the 12th
floor: Located just blocks away from the Bow River, the rooftop
restaurant boasts a striking view and promises a distinctive
ambiance that seamlessly blends urban innovation with nature's
beauty. The menu showcases the finest ingredients from Alberta, featuring an elevated twist on
dry-aged elements, delicious shareables and bites, craft cocktails
and a selection of local beers.
- Common areas: Promoting a sense of community, guests
will have access to various shared spaces to cook, gather and
unwind within shared kitchen and living room areas.
- Meeting rooms: Guests can access meeting rooms for all
their business and work needs to promote flexibility and
convenience.
- State-of-the-art Fitness Centre: Embracing the spirit of
Calgary's active lifestyle, guests
can access premium fitness equipment and movement space to make the
most of their stay.
Sustainability and Value-add Features:
- Use of recycled materials in design and construction
- The project has diverted 572,000kg of demolition waste from the
landfill, which equates to 65 percent of the project's total
demolition waste.
- Water conservation through low-flow fixtures
- Vehicle charging stations
- Motion Fitness Centre
- Bikes to borrow
With Tourism Calgary forecasting to welcome 8.7 million visitors
in 2024 and $3.2 billion in tourism
revenue for the local economy, new hospitality options like the
Element Hotel will help cater to the increase in tourism and the
diverse preferences of travellers. PBA continues to honour its
mission of building possibility and community by offering a range
of hospitality options that meaningfully contribute to the
transformation of Calgary's
downtown and the sustained growth and prosperity of the city's
tourism industry.
Demolition is completed, with construction now underway, and
project completion slated for the summer of 2025.
To learn more about PBA's latest development, visit:
https://www.pbaland.com/developments/
About PBA Group of Companies
PBA Group of Companies (PBA) is a full-spectrum real estate company
based in Calgary, Alberta,
providing integrated commercial real estate solutions. PBA
envisions a world in which their partners connect through shared
values and inspire a new sense of discovery and identity in the
communities they touch. PBA's mission is to connect people every
day to make space for dreams. Celebrating over six decades in
operation, PBA takes pride in being women-owned and led. In 2021,
PBA expanded its offerings by introducing a hospitality portfolio
with the unveiling of The Dorian, a $110
million, 27-storey, dual-brand Marriott Autograph Collection
and Courtyard Marriott hotel. Recognized globally as one of
North America's premier hotels by
Fodor's Travel, The Dorian has received numerous accolades for its
exceptional design, culinary offerings and guest experience.
Looking ahead, PBA remains committed to creating vibrant
communities that both its partners and tenants take pride in
calling home.
SOURCE PBA Group of Companies