Redevelopment of a historical Jasper Avenue building which started construction nearly ten years ago is finally coming to fruition. The redevelopment of the 1911-built Edwardian Pendennis Hotel, located at 9660 Jasper Avenue, is finally moving toward completion under new ownership.

Rendering of completed Pendennis Hotel redevelopment, image via LEDR

LEDR purchased the building, alternately known as the Lodge Hotel, in January in a judicial sale. Originally being redeveloped to house the Ukrainian Canadian Archives & Museum of Alberta (UCAMA), that organization was forced to halt construction approximately four years ago, leaving much of the interior open to the elements in the intervening years.

Interior lobby, photo by Dave Sutherland

LEDR reassembled the team that worked on the original redevelopment plans, Next Architecture and Delnor Construction, who were able to pick up and continue the project while retaining the expertise that had brought it to its current state.

Interior atrium, photo by Dave Sutherland

Crews are currently completing the exterior shell of the building, which will allow construction to proceed on finishing the interior. Much interior work had already been completed under the previous owners, who replaced the original internal wood frame with structural concrete and steel, added new stairwells and an elevator shaft, and added a fourth floor on top of the original three-story building.

Some of the leasable interior space, photo by Dave Sutherland

The interior layout is unique, having been designed to house a museum with a central open atrium, while retaining a great deal of the original brick walls. Lorraine Bodnarek of LEDR believes the unusual layout will be an asset in leasing the space, hoping it will attract one or more tenants who are drawn to a unique and "funky" space.

Rooftop patio, photo by Dave Sutherland

Future tenants in the upper floors will have access to a pair of rooftop patios, one on the northeast corner facing The Quarters, and one larger one on the south of the roof of the original building which overlooks Jasper Avenue and the river valley.

New windows along the top floor flood the atrium with natural light, photo by Dave Sutherland

In total, the building will offer approximately 33,000 square-feet of commercial space, including potential retail or restaurant use on the ground floor. Construction is expected to be completed and ready for tenant outfitting in early 2020.

Interior rendering, image via LEDR

The investment into this property, as well as the Brighton Block next door which is also current undergoing a major redevelopment, helps to preserve important historical buildings and architecture on this city block. These investments also continue the renewal of The Quarters east of the downtown core, and will hopefully spark further redevelopment interest in the area.

Pendennis Hotel with Brighton Block behind it, photo by Dave Sutherland

SkyriseEdmonton will continue to follow this project as it progresses. More information and images can be found in our project Database. What do you think of the redevelopment of the Pendennis Hotel? Leave a comment below or join the conversation in our Forum!