Transforming & Revitalizing Downtown Office Space
Office to Hotel Conversion Project
PBA Group of Companies along with its partner Concord Hospitality are excited to announce our joint repurposing of The Canadian Centre in the downtown core. This marks a major milestone for PBA by proudly announcing the conversion of The Canadian Centre (833 4th Ave. SW) office building into a hotel development, which will feature a mix of 226 suites including fully furnished extended stay units as part of the City of Calgary’s Downtown Development Incentive Program.
Calgary’s office conversion strategy has been touted as one of the city’s greatest advancements and has been recognized on an international scale. PBA is proud to participate in springboarding office conversions in a differentiated way. Branded as an Element Hotel by Westin, the new hotel will help elevate the downtown core by providing tourists, business professionals and those in need of extended stays with novel options within Calgary’s hospitality and downtown landscape, while simultaneously removing 168,000 square feet of unused office space.
ELEMENT by Westin – In alignment with our commitment to revitalizing downtown Calgary through the office conversion program, PBA Group and Concord have selected the Element brand for our hotel.
The Element has redefined the longer stay experience with an outdoor-inspired design philosophy that is clean, modern, and bright. With a sustainable, nature-inspired aesthetic, the hotel features spacious and airy studios and one-bedroom suites which are outfitted with fully equipped in-room kitchens, spa-inspired bathrooms and signature Heavenly® Beds.
Increasing flexibility and convenience for groups, Element’s one-of-a-kind private communal space, Studio Commons, is anchored by four guest rooms where guests can cook, convene, and relax together in the shared kitchen and living room areas.
Development Profile – The Canadian Centre is located in the west of downtown and will offer its guests a distinct experience through its prime location in Calgary’s west end. The building is a 12-floor, 167K sq. ft. office building constructed in 1982. PBA is converting the building’s existing office space and common areas into 226 dwelling units, including fully furnished extended-stay units. It boasts easy access to transit, close proximity to the Bow River, multi-use pathways, the 8th Street urban improvement corridor and stunning views overlooking the Louise Bridge. By offering a unique combination of short and extended long-stay units, PBA is providing a range of choices within the hospitality sector while supporting Calgary’s greater economic transition and welcoming a new mix of people to the downtown core.
This development is expected to introduce a best-in-class model of flexible hospitality into the market. Demolition is completed, with project completion slated for the spring of 2025.
PBA is continuing to honour its mission of building possibility and community by offering a range of hospitality options which meaningfully contribute to the transformation of Calgary’s downtown.
In the News: The Element Hotel
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.
