[Keith P.]

I was just browsing some of the old threads and stumbled onto someone123's photo of the old St. Mary's School (I think that's what it's called) on Grafton, the building with the arched entry on the left side of the photo:

http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll229/keith_p/grafton.jpg

The moment I looked at that photo, the building struck me as absolutely ideal for conversion into a small, high-end hotel. Make a deal with whomever for the little parking lot at the end of the block to turn it into a courtyard/bar/restaurant or whatever to go with it and you'd have a real winner. The only downsides I see are the proximity to Pizza Corner, but I suspect that situation will change in the near future; and the need to accommodate some parking for guests, which I admittedly don't have figured out just yet.

But doesn't that building, with it's little tower above the entrance and the potential for some interesting interior period features, look like it is perfect for a small boutique-style hotel? You couldn't get a better location.

[someone123]

What's in the school building right now?

I'd really like to see something go up on that corner by St. Mary's.

[spaustin]

That corner lot is owned by St. Mary's. I interviewed one of the priests for a school project a year ago and they're have absolutely no interest in selling or developing the land. It's important to them to preserve the remaining views of the Cathedral, even if the view is across a parking lot. They also consider the parking spaces crucial since, increasingly, their worshippers do not live nearby. Unfortunately, unless the church get pressed financially, don't expect any change there. As for the old school, I have no idea on its status or who owns it. I know there is some kind of hobby store in there, but other then that I have nothing.

[keninhalifax]

Mr. Austin, I don't know why it should be 'unfortunate' that the church will stay on site if they're making good use of the building! ;)

[someone123]

I think he's talking about the little parking lot on the corner, not the church building itself.

[Takeo]

I know there is some kind of hobby store in there, but other then that I have nothing.

The hobby store is in a smaller adjoining building... not in the school itself.

[spaustin]

Thanks. That was exactly what I met. It would be a disaster to lose the church building since it's so beautiful but their parking lot is another story.

I think he's talking about the little parking lot on the corner, not the church building itself.

[someone123]

From the Herald:

Quebec firm wants to open Halifax boutique hotels

By STEVE PROCTOR Business Editor
Tue. Apr 8 - 6:43 AM

A Quebec company specializing in developing boutique hotels says Halifax is ripe for one or two of its upscale offerings.

Christiane Germain, co-president of Le Groupe Germain, said Monday her firm has been trying to find a location in Halifax for two years and hopes to be able to announce a site very soon.

"We’ve been looking at Halifax and Vancouver, but Halifax is on the top of our list. The economy is doing well. The existing hotels in the city are thriving. It seems like a great place for us to get involved."

The company was founded in 1988 and operates three properties, in Montreal and Quebec City. It also has hotels under construction in Calgary and Toronto.

The initial properties built by the family-owned business have focused on small (no more than 140 rooms) high-style hotels designed specifically for the sites on which they are located. Those hotels operate under the Le Germain brand.

Last fall, the company launched a second brand, ALT hotels, which are described as cheap-chic hotels. Ms. Germain said the company hopes to develop 20 of these hotels over the next five years near airports and industrial parks, beginning at the Halifax airport.

"There was a request for proposals, and we submitted a plan," she said. "We think we’re among the proposals the airport is seriously considering. We are waiting to hear."

Airport spokesman Peter Spurway said the group reviewing hotel proposals has been working hard and he expects they will announce in the next three weeks which company they will negotiate with.

"We’re still on target to get construction underway next year with an opening slated for 2010," he said.

Ms. Germain envisions a more downtown location for the Le Germain venture. Although the company focuses on hotels and is interested in building a stand-alone property, she said it has partnered with developers in Calgary and incorporated its hotel into a $110-million office and condo property.

"We had discussions with some local developers that are continuing, but we are not formally committed to any projects, so all the possibilities are still on the table."

(sproctor@herald.ca)