The Westley Hotel, nestled in the heart of downtown Calgary, stands as a testament to the city's commitment to repurposing its architectural heritage. Originally a corporate head office, this five-story structure has undergone a remarkable transformation under the creative guidance of Frank Architecture & Interiors, responding to the city's call for innovative reuse.
In embracing the challenge of crafting a boutique hotel, Frank Architecture drew inspiration from Calgary's rich history and contemporary identity. The result is the ‘proper wild’ concept and a hotel that is a harmonious aesthetic blend of the city's wild west past and its present-day corporate sophistication. The design narrative unfolds with a subdued color palette mirroring Calgary's natural backdrop, acting as a canvas for vibrant pops of color that infuse the interior with a playful and appealing aesthetic.
The Westley Hotel's exterior exhibits a monolithic quality, symbolizing the proper and sophisticated, while bespoke signage and carefully detailed brickwork and expansive glazing give a view into the unexpected interior. This duality is more than skin deep, permeating every aspect of the guest experience.
Upon entering the Westley, guests are greeted by sweeping archways, abundant natural light and eclectic furniture groupings in the lobby lounge. Blurring the boundaries between traditional hotel and food and beverage spaces, the multifaceted lobby serves as a social hub. The open transition seamlessly connects casual social areas, relaxation zones, dining spaces and the bar of Fonda Fora. A central cooking island and open kitchen concept infuse the dining area with vibrant energy, creating a bustling atmosphere. The show-stopping central bar becomes a focal point, inviting travelers to mingle with discerning locals. During warmer months, the extended patio seating, complemented by large operable windows, transforms the restaurant into a serene garden oasis.
The guest rooms at the Westley continue the narrative, subtly referencing the building's corporate past with tweed carpet and pinstripe detailing. The quirky patterned tiles, velvet accents, and tasseled lighting pay homage to Calgary's western heritage, creating a distinctive fusion of old and new. Each room is curated around a bold statement bed, complemented by playful lighting and bespoke furniture, ensuring that guests are enveloped in an immersive and memorable experience.
The Westley Hotel stands as a captivating testament to Calgary's commitment to architectural revitalization. Its ‘proper wild’ concept seamlessly integrates the city's wild west past and contemporary identity, offering guests a unique and visually stunning boutique hotel experience.
What was the brief?
The clients had experienced many of the spaces FRANK had designed and knew they'd be in good hands when embarking on this large scale conversion project. The goal was to take advantage of old corporate real estate and transform it through thoughtful intervention into a boutique hospitality experience that was representative of the essence of Calgary’s roots as a ‘proper wild’ city.
A new hotel in the time of Covid?
When the project begun, no one could foresee that 2020 would be defined by the pandemic and an economic slow down of the retail and hospitality sectors. Construction on site was halted part way through completion and left the project in a place of uncertainty.
As the pandemic evolved, construction started again, and the hotel was able to open in 2021. Leaving the months of isolation meant that people came back to social life with a thirst not only for public gatherings, but also for new experiences and a new context in which to have them. The Westley quickly became a perfect backdrop for these new experiences and Calgary’s most sought after boutique hotel experience.
Team:
Architect: FRANK Architecture & Interiors
Photography: Christopher Amat
