'Hotel in the park' will offer stunning views of the Sleeping Giant: Marriott-Delta hotel on Thunder Bay waterfront slated for 2018 opening.

AuthorRoss, Ian
PositionBusiness Travel

After months of delay, construction has resumed on a future landmark hotel on Thunder Bay's renovated waterfront.

According to Winnipeg developer Gisele MacDonald, principal of the ReSolve Group, work is underway on the below-ground mechanical systems for a new Marriott-Delta hotel.

"I'd be lying if I didn't tell you it wasn't without a lot of tenacity and hard work," said MacDonald, of the resumption of construction.

First announced in 2012, construction has been idled for a year due to the takeover of Delta Hotels by Marriott International and the ReSolve Group's own struggles in clearing a multitude of construction liens brought against three of their waterfront land parcels, including an adjoining two-tower condominium project.

With those issues out of the way, MacDonald said BNL Contracting of Thunder Bay was on the job in November to kick off a 16-month construction schedule.

Located in a prime spot at Prince Arthur's Landing, the city's redeveloped section of waterfront, MacDonald paid credit to the City of Thunder Bay for a "great job" in putting together the city's master plan.

It designated the north end as an arts and entertainment district, and spurred a multi-million dollar waterfront effort.

The ReSolve Group project includes a two-tower condominium complex adjacent to the hotel that MacDonald said is she units short of being completely sold out.

The developer also signed a 99-year lease with the city to find tenants for the historic CN train station nearby. MacDonald said it will involve mixed-use retail, the details of which will be announced sometime soon.

She sees the hotel as providing a fresh new look for the north core that will bridge the downtown to the waterfront.

With new public amenities, such as a skateboard park and splash pad-ice skating rink, it's generated year-round waterfront activity and festival traffic, creating what MacDonald describes as a "hotel in the park."

The eight-storey, four-star upscale venue will offer 150 guest rooms and suites, including 18 penthouse rooms.

A full-service restaurant, business centre, fitness area, and terrace lounge overlooking the harbour will be among the hotel's unique features.

Geared to the business traveller, MacDonald promises the guest rooms will be laden with the latest fibre optics.

"We're going to be dealing with good technology features that I don't believe any of the hotels in Thunder Bay have."

Toronto-based MacKay Wong Hospitality Design will work on the...

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