Transforming & Revitalizing Downtown Office Space
Office to Hotel Conversion Project: Now Open
PBA Group of Companies, in partnership with Concord Hospitality, is proud to announce the official opening of the Element Calgary Downtown—the successful conversion of The Canadian Centre (833 4th Ave. SW) from an underutilized office building into a vibrant, modern hotel. This transformative project is part of the City of Calgary’s Downtown Development Incentive Program and represents a major milestone for PBA in leading Calgary’s downtown revitalization efforts.
This 12-storey, 167,000 sq. ft. former office tower has been thoughtfully reimagined to include 226 suites, including fully furnished extended-stay units, now open and welcoming guests. By removing 168,000 square feet of vacant office space, the project supports Calgary’s economic diversification and adds new life to the city’s west end.
Calgary’s office conversion strategy has received international acclaim, and PBA is proud to play a key role in advancing this initiative. The Element by Westin brand was selected for its modern, sustainability-driven design and commitment to flexible, longer-stay accommodations. The hotel features bright, open-concept studios and one-bedroom suites with fully equipped in-room kitchens, spa-inspired bathrooms, and Westin’s signature Heavenly® Beds.
The hotel also includes Element’s unique Studio Commons, a one-of-a-kind communal space anchored by four guest rooms where guests can cook, convene, and relax together in shared kitchen and living areas—offering convenience and flexibility for groups or longer visits.
Located in Calgary’s west end, the property offers easy access to public transit, the Bow River and multi-use pathways, the 8th Street urban improvement corridor, and sweeping views of the Louise Bridge. Its location and mixed-stay format cater to tourists, business professionals, and long-term guests alike, enriching Calgary’s hospitality offerings and contributing to a more diverse and active downtown.
The Element Calgary Downtown officially opened in June 2025, introducing a best-in-class, flexible hospitality model to the market.
PBA remains committed to its mission of building possibility and community by creating impactful developments that serve the evolving needs of Calgarians while supporting the continued transformation of the city’s downtown core.
In the News: The Element Hotel
Calgary transforms old, empty office building into new 226-room hotel
The evolution of Downtown West continues with Calgary’s first incentivized office-to-hotel conversion ready to welcome guests
City cuts ribbon on first office-to-hotel conversion project downtown
https://calgaryherald.com/news/downtown-calgary-opens-first-office-to-hotel-conversion
How PBA Group Converted A Calgary Office Tower Into The Element Hotel
https://storeys.com/calgary-element-hotel-office-conversion/
Calgary opens first office-to-hotel conversion with Element by Westin
Work has begun to convert this office building into a new hotel in downtown Calgary:
Three innovative office-conversion projects injecting new investment, creating new homes, building climate resiliency in Calgary’s Downtown:
Calgary announces new downtown office conversion; separate project shifts from residential to hotel
https://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/calgary-office-conversion-upcoming-developments
Calgary unveils plans to convert 3 downtown office buildings to homes, hotel rooms
Downtown Calgary Development Incentive Program:
Calgary’s newest boutique hotel opens: The Dorian
Here at PBA, we are all about making bold moves and we are thrilled, The Dorian Hotel and all its 308 luxurious rooms are officially open. 
Calgary’s newest hideaway offers every indulgence possible. The Dorian has soul that mixes modern comfort with a splash of British whimsy and of course, some Calgary flare that provides guests with an unforgettable stay.
Like all great novels, it starts with Prologue, a lobby café with elevated class. You can start your day off here eating fresh pastries or pop in for a light lunch. If you do come for lunch, you’ll want to stay for the transformation that happens in the late afternoon. This is where you can start sipping on some of the best cocktails and sampling delectable dinner options that will amplify Calgary’s food and beverage scene.
Looking to fuel your afternoon? Stop by Bistro Nouvelle and have your taste buds elevated. This cosmopolitan eatery offers local brews and modern dishes with a buoyant bistro vibe.
The final chapter takes you all the way up to the 27th floor, where you will experience The Wilde. This is the place where you will indulge in cutting-edge cocktail culture, unlike anything Calgary has seen before. Not only are you able to have the most sought-after stylish sips, but you will also take in the breathtaking views of our stunning city. The upscale dining options are seductive and are sure to keep you coming back for more.
Welcome to The Dorian, we know you will be back!
Development Profile:
The Dorian Hotel is a newly constructed 27-storeys hotel, dual-branded as an Autograph Collection and Courtyard by Marriot. This stunning development includes:
- Schedule: 2019 – 2022
- Opened July 2022
- 27 Storey / 287,149 sq. ft.
- 308 luxury rooms, of which 133 are Autograph Collections rooms and 175 are Courtyard Marriott rooms
- 3 unique Food & Beverage options; with fining dining and lounge on the 27th floor highlighting an extraordinary exterior patio
- A conference centre with multiple meeting rooms; and
- A fitness centre
PBA Group is the Development Manager for this exciting 545-acre master-planned community in Cochrane owned by related company Philco Farms Ltd. Southbow Landing will be Cochrane’s first new development south of the Bow River to include substantial commercial, business and retail areas. This will allow residents to meet all their daily needs within their neighbourhood. Furthermore, it will also be fully integrated within the larger community of Cochrane — making it a community within a community.
