In major news for Clifton Hill's tourism district, the Niagara Falls City Council unanimously approved plans for a new 17-story hotel featuring an ice sculpture exhibit and a tropical garden. The project, proposed by Great Lakes Entertainment Canada, will be located at the northeast end of the district between Falls Avenue and Bender Street.
The plan includes 393 hotel rooms. During a presentation to the council, Craig Rohe, a senior planner with GSP Group representing the developer, emphasized the project's potential to create approximately 250 jobs and enhance the local environment.
“This redevelopment will not only benefit the area but also rejuvenate the property, making it more compatible with its surroundings,” Rohe stated.
The hotel will feature two distinctive attractions: an ice sculpture exhibit and a tropical atrium. The ice sculpture exhibit will consist of sub-zero rooms where artists can create intricate ice sculptures complete with rotating exhibits and a gift shop. Above the ice sculpture area, the tropical atrium will span from the sixth to the 14th floors showcasing a variety of plant species.
Some hotel rooms will offer views into this lush garden, which will also benefit from an energy-efficient design. Rohe explained that the cooling generated from the ice sculpture rooms will be redirected to heat the tropical atrium promoting sustainability and energy efficiency.
The hotel will also include two retail stores on ground level, with tenants yet to be announced, and a buffet-style restaurant on the 17th floor providing diners with panoramic views of the city.
“This development will revitalize the east end of the tourism area, which is often overlooked,” Rohe noted. “By providing a new anchor, we aim to enhance interaction among existing attractions and improve accessibility through various transportation options, including the Millennium Trail and Niagara Region Transit.”
City planner Andrew Bryce highlighted the proximity of Casino Niagara and other tourist attractions, noting that there are already plans for taller hotels and observation decks in the area. Councilor Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg praised the architectural design of the hotel and the introduction of unique attractions.
Niagara Falls City Council Approves Innovative 17-story Hotel on Clifton Hill