A new boutique-style hotel in the Paul Martin Building in downtown Windsor is expected to open by late spring-early summer 2027.
Major construction is ongoing inside the building at 185 Ouellette Avenue near Chatham Street West to construct 85 rooms along with a cafe and event space.
Some of the rooms will be regular guest rooms, while others will be for long-term stays with full kitchens, but each will have a unique theme at the site, which will be known as Hotel Academic.
In 2023, the owner of Chatham’s Retro Suites and RM Auto Restoration, Rob Myers, took ownership of the building as part of a deal with the city.
Manager of Retro Suites in Chatham, Tina Childs, says there are a lot of historic elements they’re trying to preserve inside the building.
“If you look around the lobby, there is a lot of original terrazzo; there is the lime and marble that is here,” she says. “Up on the floors, we’ve found the original hardwood when we removed some of the carpet, original hardwood. We’re going to try to preserve that when we can and all the beautiful historical elements on the front and inside of the building.”
Childs says they are targeting a variety of guests.
“Midweek is corporate, and then weekends will be leisure stays or weddings. Maybe people are here to catch a show or some of the activities happening on the waterfront,” she says. “I think because of all the unique themes, there’s going to be something that appeals to everyone.”
Childs says they’re already getting interest from people who want to stay as soon as it’s open.
“We’ve actually had people call Retro Suites in Chatham and already ask to be on a wait list to let them know when it’s open and when they can start booking. At my computer in Chatham, I have a little list already started of people who want conference space and guest rooms as well,” she says.
Once the multi-million-dollar renovation is complete, the hotel is expected to employ 100 to 150 people.
The former federal government building has been housing the Windsor Public Library Central Branch, but staff are being moved out.