Winnipeg Construction X

[DavefromSt.Vital]

Cross-posting from the business thread:

Further details re: the former Charter House being renovated into a Hampton Inn. Two floors being added and the number of rooms climbing from 87 to 134. As expected with a Hampton Inn, no standalone restaurant and most meeting rooms are gone.

Also, the Marlborough listed for $6.9M, The Windsor for $3M

https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/bu...576224112.html

[trueviking]

Man, I hope someone buys the Marlborough and turns it into a nice hotel.

Too bad the restaurant is gone from Charter House....the Rib Room was a bit of a local legend in the day.

[DavefromSt.Vital]

I agree the Marlborough has a lot of potential.

I wonder if the Windsor listing price is "pay me a whack of dough to make problems disappear". Reminds me of a strip club that used to be a few blocks north on Yonge from me. The owner eventually allowed the Satan's Choice biker gang to run it. The owner proposed that he would shut down the club, but only if he could knock the entire block down and build a large condo development that was not within the zoning limits of the time. For the Windsor it appears the price is just cash.

Yes, the Rib Room at the Charter House was somewhat iconic. Its heyday was before my time, but my parents spoke very highly of it.

[esquire]

Considering the Marlborough's location and its marketable character I find it a bit surprising that no one has bought it to convert into a mid-range (let's say Marriott Courtyard calibre) type hotel. I think it last got a makeover sometime in the 80s but it has just kind of coasted ever since and there isn't much left to coast on.

[trueviking]

honestly, the Marlborough could rival the Fort Garry....that's what it was built for. Fort Garry has lousy rooms, so it could even be better....and the ball room could be a gold mine.

[CoryB]

Originally Posted by trueviking

honestly, the Marlborough could rival the Fort Garry....that's what it was built for. Fort Garry has lousy rooms, so it could even be better....and the ball room could be a gold mine.

The Fort Garry ballrooms have a lot more character than the Malborough.

To bring the Malborough up to where the ballrooms need to be would be a massive undertaking. Just having all the current windows replaced with something more energy friendly and perhaps adding an "energy curtain" that could be used to set up an environmental barrier between the room and the windows when the space isn't in use. The elevators would also need a full overhaul as they were tiny and slow even based on standards before the pandemic. Another huge challenge is having a better sized lobby on the ballroom level for events that want to hold guest outside the space before letting them in. The main room itself would need a full gut and redo as well to give it a better flow. They would also really need to up their kitchen staff too if they wanted to significantly compete in the wedding event space.

[T'Cona]

The Marlborough's rooms are in the addition, which was built in the 50s. When I worked there in 1998, the bathrooms were pretty much untouched from that period LOL.

It would take serious money to transform the building, but I hope it can be done.

[wags_in_the_peg]

Originally Posted by trueviking

honestly, the Marlborough could rival the Fort Garry....that's what it was built for. Fort Garry has lousy rooms, so it could even be better....and the ball room could be a gold mine.

my 1991 grad was at the Marlborough, I recall thinking how amazing it was. Fast forward 31 years and my daughter grad is happening this year this June '22. I suggested we look into it to the committee and I almost got executed from everyone in attendance. the clientele that hangs around outside is less than desirable. it's facts guys, don't shoot (execute) the messenger. there's so much that needs to change before the majority (not all) are not ok with the downtown sketchiness.

[esquire]

Originally Posted by wags_in_the_peg

my 1991 grad was at the Marlborough, I recall thinking how amazing it was. Fast forward 31 years and my daughter grad is happening this year this June '22. I suggested we look into it to the committee and I almost got executed from everyone in attendance. the clientele that hangs around outside is less than desirable. it's facts guys, don't shoot (execute) the messenger. there's so much that needs to change before the majority (not all) are not ok with the downtown sketchiness.

I remember going to a variety of events there from around 1990-2005 and I thought it was pretty decent. Not opulent, but nice. The Skyview Ballroom in particular is a cool space, there aren't that many ballrooms on a higher floor in Winnipeg with a view like that. The Fort Garry has a pair of them, but I'm not sure about any others. It feels like it went downhill around that time in the 2000s... it didn't get any real sort of bump when MTS Centre opened nearby.

[BAKGUY]

Originally Posted by trueviking

Man, I hope someone buys the Marlborough and turns it into a nice hotel.

Too bad the restaurant is gone from Charter House....the Rib Room was a bit of a local legend in the day.

The newer Rib Room ( it moved location over a dozen years ago) was still beautiful, delicious food, fair market prices, great service.

[esquire]

I remember eating at the Rib Room maybe around 15 years ago and I thought it was nice, but there was nothing all that remarkable about it in terms of either food or atmosphere. I guess it was past its heyday by then?

[Ando]

I think the issue with the Marlborough for sometime is the location. It would make a great revamped hotel, but with the way things are right now post-covid ...

[esquire]

Originally Posted by Ando

I think the issue with the Marlborough for sometime is the location. It would make a great revamped hotel, but with the way things are right now post-covid ...

It's a pretty decent location... basically less than two blocks away from the arena, Portage and Main and the Exchange District.

[Ando]

That’s not what I meant by location. In the context you present, yeah it’s great.

[BAKGUY]

Originally Posted by esquire

I remember going to a variety of events there from around 1990-2005 and I thought it was pretty decent. Not opulent, but nice. The Skyview Ballroom in particular is a cool space, there aren't that many ballrooms on a higher floor in Winnipeg with a view like that. The Fort Garry has a pair of them, but I'm not sure about any others. It feels like it went downhill around that time in the 2000s... it didn't get any real sort of bump when MTS Centre opened nearby.

I know that I have been on many occasions to the Skyview Ballroom up until perhaps 2017.
Contrary to popular legend, it was renovated somewhat prior to 2010..new coloured carpeting, draperies...
The dining room Churchill's is splendiferous. Too bad it is closed as a dining option but is in use as a banquet / ballroom.
Most romantic elegant room..40 foot vaulted ceilings. Juliette Balcony.. Stained glass depicting fairytales like Cinderella etc..
The café is also a beautiful space.. There is another interesting smaller ballroom on8 as well.
I thought the modern addition renovated as hotel space brought up to code..and possibly the oldie section, rundown offices could become condos?
Keeps the place busy as well as sell some of that unused area with nice details. The hotel could be a true competitor to Fort Garry in many aspects. Certainly a close rival if done correctly.
The St Charles & others are too far gone to save but this is worth saving and its location could be an advantage.
Close proximity to Canada Life Centre, RBC Convention Centre, True North, The Forks, Museums, The Exchange, P & M..etc
Plus, I recall a time when we thought we could not save The Fort Garry. Approx mid/Late 70's early 80's or so..
Until The Albos bought it and did what hey did.
If there is a will, there is a way.
Many of the other hotels are boring, tired and this space could really help the nearby district get redeveloped..so close to The Exchange.

[peg]

I was there for a wedding in 2019, it seemed pretty dated, but it did not look far gone by any means.

It would be great if it were given a good remodel/refresh.

I just found there are a few 360-degree photos of the ballrooms on google maps.

[BAKGUY]

Originally Posted by peg

I was there for a wedding in 2019, it seemed pretty dated, but it did not look far gone by any means.

It would be great if it were given a good remodel/refresh.

I just found there are a few 360-degree photos of the ballrooms on google maps.

Skyview ballroom is basically fine for now. It is impressive but...The main Lobby is very late 70's, outdated and tired...Unimpressive. So underwhelming. The rooms are okay but in desperate need of updating. Hence the rates under $90.00 and often less. It has so much potential. Historic, attractive, elegant and desperately needs to be saved by an appreciative business owner with deep pockets and a drive to make it a reality.

[bomberjet]

Wow that ballroom is fantastic. Would much rather be in that space than Fort Garry. Small though.

[Ando]

The ballroom is great, also have been to a wedding there. But what would it take for someone to take the plunge to invest in it to bring it up to a nice boutique hotel status? Part of the challenge is the immediate area, the parking garage has always been a clusterfuck, and the alley that goes behind MEC and to the parking garage. Anyone would have to take those kind of issues into account when deciding to invest.

[BAKGUY]

Originally Posted by bomberjet

Wow that ballroom is fantastic. Would much rather be in that space than Fort Garry. Small though.

Marlborough Inn.... capacity in the 8th floor Skyview Ballroom is 800 for a seated meal.
That is small or did you mean The Fort Garry Concert (240) , Provencher (300+) & Crystal Ballroom Rooms (280)?