Groupe Germain to build two mixed-use hotels (February 01, 2007)
TORONTO – Qubec City-based hotel developer Groupe Germain has announced two new projects: Htel Le Germain Maple Leaf Square in Toronto and Le Germain Calgary, both designed by LeMay Michaud Architects of Montreal.
The $450-million Maple Leaf Square project, which will be built adjacent to the Air Canada Centre in downtown Toronto, is being developed in association with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, Cadillac Fairview and Lanterra Developments, all based in Toronto. It will be an eight-storey boutique-hotel with 171 guest rooms, 5,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, 8,000 sq. ft. of fitness facilities, a 2,000-sq.-ft. hotel caf and two restaurants, operated by Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. The hotel will be decorated with features reflective of past sports and entertainment moments from Maple Leaf Gardens and the Air Canada Centre. Construction is already in progress.
Le Germain Calgary, developed in partnership with Grenville Properties, is a $110-million, mixed-use 20-storey development, including a 150-room boutique hotel built alongside an office tower. The two structures will connect at the top with 42 condominium units, creating an open breezeway in the centre.
Le Germain Calgary includes energy-saving features, such as high-performance windows, green roof areas with rainwater recovery, geothermal heating and cooling, and energy efficient mechanical and electrical systems. A total of $500,000 has been committed to acquire Canadian art for the development. Construction begins in March. Both projects are expected to be completed in 2009.
Groupe Germain has also announced the launch of the first Alt Hotel, a new line of economical destinations the company will be developing across Canada. The first of the new chain, currently being built in Montreal for $21 million, will be constructed with prefabricated rooms to keep costs down. The hotel, designed by LeMay Michaud Architecture, will also feature a series of energy-efficient measures including heating and cooling with geothermal systems, recovery of heat from exhaust air and energy-efficient lighting. The Alt Hotel is scheduled to open in September.
For more information www.hotelboutique.com.