An iconic Downtown Windsor building is about to get a major face lift and renovation to revitalize the building and bring this once proud building back to prominence.
Announced on December 14th, the historic and inconic Paul Martin Building is set to undergo a transformation from a temporary library home into a new luxury boutique hotel. The project to revitalize the building will be carried out by RJM Holdings, the same group responsible for the renowned Retro Suites in Chatham, ON. RJM’s plans for the Paul Martin Building will be centred around transforming the space into a world-class boutique hotel featuring 80 to 100 individually styled suites, not unlike the previosuly mentioned Retro Suites. Unlike that property, this new hotel will also include 20 to 40 full-service residences designed for corporate travellers along with companies wishing to obtain a corporate suite. This amenitiy packed building is currently planned to include an in-house restaurant as well as a café. It will also feature meeting and event spaces, a library/lounge, and some retail space as well. Rob Myers, the Chairman and CEO, RM Group of Companies said this at the press conference,
"We are excited to make this announcement today that we will be transforming the historical Paul Martin Building into a luxury boutique hotel. This is a great opportunity, and we look forward to developing a product that supports Windsor and its growth. We are invested in Southwestern Ontario and have a strong passion for uniqueness, excellent service and the arts. We will cater to corporate travelers, tourists and locals. There will be elements of the Retro Suites Hotel brand within the space, preserving the building’s historical elements while adding in modern art and design. We are pleased to work with all of Windsor’s community partners in assisting in the revitalization of Downtown Windsor, similar to that of Detroit with the Shinola and Foundation Hotel. Over the next couple of years we will develop this property with the thought of honouring the city’s rich history and its citizens.” (City of Windsor, 2023)
The Paul Martin Building spans an entire city block in Downtown Windsor, surrounded by Ouellette Ave. to the east, Ferry St. to the west, Pitt St. W. to the north, and Chatham St. W. to the south. The Paul Martin Building was completed in 1930 and designed by George Masson along with Windsor-born architect Hugh P. Sheppard. The location was important as it was aimed to create a position of importance on the Windsor border between Canada and the United States for the federal government. Over the course of its history the building has had the likes of Canada Post, the Canada Revenue Agency, and the Canadian Border Services Agency call it home. The federal government worked to restore the building’s facade, with the work finishing up in 2017. The building was acquired by the City of Windsor from the federal government in 2019.
Quotes and information courtesy City of Windsor Press Release: https://www.citywindsor.ca/Newsroom/Pages/Paul-Martin-Building-in-Downtown-Windsor-to-Transform-Into-Boutique-Hotel.aspx
Cover Photo: I, Mikerussell, CC BY-SA 3.0
