Historic Paul Martin landmark to house new boutique hotel
Work is under way to transform the former federal Paul Martin Building at 185 Ouellette Avenue into a boutique-style hotel known as Hotel Academic, with developers aiming to open by late spring–early summer 2027.
The project will convert the building, which has been home to the Windsor Public Library Central Branch, into a hospitality venue featuring 85 rooms, a café and dedicated event space. Construction inside the downtown building is already described as "major" by those involved.
Preserving historic features while adapting for new use
Managers on the project say preserving the building’s historic fabric is a central part of the plan. Retro Suites manager Tina Childs, who is connected to the owners, highlighted original interior elements that have been revealed during work.
"If you look around the lobby, there is a lot of original terrazzo; there is the lime and marble that is here. Up on the floors, we’ve found the original hardwood when we removed some of the carpet... 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."
The owners took possession of the site as part of a deal with the city in 2023. The former federal building has been repurposed over recent years and will now be adapted again as part of this hospitality-led redevelopment.
Rooms, guests and local demand
Hotel Academic will offer a mix of accommodation types. Some rooms will be standard guest rooms, while others will be designed for long‑term stays and include full kitchens. Each room is planned to carry a unique theme, with managers anticipating the variety will help attract a range of travellers.
- Target guests during the week: corporate visitors.
- Target guests at weekends: leisure travellers, wedding parties and visitors attending waterfront events or shows.
- Some rooms offered for longer stays, suited to guests needing kitchen facilities.
Childs said there is already interest from potential customers, with phone enquiries and a preliminary waiting list being compiled at Retro Suites in Chatham. The managers expect demand both for guest rooms and for conference or event space in the central location.
Employment and timetable
When the renovation is complete the hotel is expected to generate employment locally. Project estimates put the number of jobs created at between 100 and 150, covering roles that will be needed to operate the hotel, café and event facilities.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Address | 185 Ouellette Avenue |
| Planned rooms | 85 |
| Projected jobs | 100–150 |
| Target opening | Late spring–early summer 2027 |
What it means for downtown Windsor
Converting a prominent civic building into a hotel will change how that part of the city centre functions. Hotel Academic’s central location on Ouellette Avenue places it within walking distance of waterfront attractions and performance venues, which the managers say will help draw weekend leisure trade alongside corporate and conference visitors during the week.
The emphasis on retaining original materials such as terrazzo, lime, marble and hardwood aims to keep the building’s character, even as its use shifts. That blend of preservation and new commercial activity is likely to be watched closely by residents and local heritage stakeholders.
For Windsor, the scheme offers a boost to hospitality capacity and employment at a time when downtown renewal and cultural events are shaping the city’s recovery and growth. The coming months of construction will indicate how quickly the project advances toward the 2027 opening date.
The conversion follows the owners’ acquisition of the building in 2023 and the subsequent relocation of library staff from the central branch as the site moves from public to private use.
