ELORA, Ont. – Residents, business owners, government officials and media gathered at Elora’s historic grist mill for the groundbreaking of a two-phase project that will include the Elora Mill Hotel & Spa, it was announced Dec. 2.
Comprising the first phase is the heritage restoration of the original Mill and its neighbouring buildings. Scheduled to open in early 2018, the Elora Mill Hotel & Spa will offer 30 suites, with views over the Grand River, and a restaurant and bar, enclosed in glass and cantilevered over the river. The spa will be built along the cliff of the gorge, while the Granary building, with rooftop garden, will be suitable for corporate retreats.
Phase Two will see the south side of the river developed and linked by a glass-enclosed pedestrian bridge. This second phase will include condominium residences, a retail ‘village’ and additional hotel space.
Together, both phases of the project will cost $120 million and take five years to complete.
“Our philosophy in approaching this project is all about its sense of place, rooted in the community, inspired by natural beauty and creating a truly authentic guest experience,” said Aaron Ciancone, president of Pearle Hospitality, the company behind the development. “There will be nothing insincere about this design, no exotic themes or mimicking trends, instead we will draw on all that makes this destination distinct throughout the year.
In keeping with the hotel’s philosophy of authenticity, the hotel design will embrace the love of all things local, from curated art and finely crafted furnishings to the classically inspired innovative restaurant dishes made from selectively sourced ingredients of nearby farms.”
Also part of the project is a new hydro turbine that will harness the Grand River’s current to create one megawatt of electricity, enough to power the entire development upon completion.
Pearle Hospitality offers a number of restaurant, event and wedding facilities, including the Ancaster Mill, Cambridge Mill, Spencer’s at the Waterfront and the Whistle Bear Golf Club. Upcoming business endeavors include soon-to-open hotels, condominium projects and, in the case of the Elora Mill, a full-service retreat destination.
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