Over a year since the project was announced, and following some delays obtaining permits, work is now set to begin converting the former Enbridge Tower (previously known as IPL Tower) into Hyatt House Hotel.

Rendering of Hyatt House Hotel, image via Davignon Martin

The 23-story building, located at the corner of Jasper Avenue and 102 Street, is best known for its iconic pointed crown, long a unique fixture of Edmonton's downtown skyline. Enbridge moved out of the tower in 2016, into the new Enbridge Centre, leaving their old home vacant.

Former Enbridge/IPL Tower as it is today, photo by Dave Sutherland

Faced with a rising office vacancy rate and a flight to newer buildings, Lighthouse Hospitality Management opted to purchase the building in 2018 with plans to turn it into a 314-room Hyatt hotel, including 139 long stay suites.

Hotel lobby, image via Davignon Martin

The building will see a refreshed exterior in addition to a completely new interior by Davignon Martin Architecture + Interior Design; renderings show a much more transparent podium with new entrances on Jasper Avenue and on 102 Street, as well as some new articulation and feature lighting along the height of the corner curtain wall.

Jasper Avenue view, image via Davignon Martin

Renderings also show a new protruding "Pantages" sign, a nod and throwback to the Pantages Theatre that once stood on the site. The hotel is expected to include a spa, fitness room, business centre, and conference and banquet facilities. 8,000 square-feet of commercial retail space is also available for lease on the ground floor.

102 Street view, image via Davignon Martin

Lighthouse received an approved Development Permit on November 6 as well as a permit to construct temporary hoarding around the building, meaning construction is likely to get underway very soon. Lighthouse expects to open the new hotel in early 2021.

The building interior has already been gutted, photo by Dave Sutherland

SkyriseEdmonton will continue to follow the progress of the project as it moves along. More information and images can be found in our project Database. What do you think of this building conversion? Leave a comment below, or join the conversation in our discussion Forum.