THUNDER BAY, Ont. — Thunder Bay, Ont.’s newest and largest historic boutique property, the Courthouse Hotel, has opened following a $3-million, floor-to-ceiling renovation investment to the 95-year-old former courthouse building that saw the property join Choice Hotels Canada’s Ascend Hotel Collection.

“The Courthouse Hotel is a beautiful addition to the community and is sure to become an attraction in itself,” says Brian Leon, president, Choice Hotels Canada. “The unique history of the building makes it an incredibly interesting property and an outstanding addition to our Ascend Hotel Collection portfolio.”

Each of the hotel’s guestrooms feature marble bathrooms and are outfitted with premium bedding, flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, microwaves, work desks and coffee makers. The 41-rooms property also includes a fitness centre, meeting facilities and a grand ballroom that can accommodate weddings and parties. A complimentary hot breakfast is also provided to guests.

Many of the historical elements of the building have been preserved, including the flooring, grand staircase and bannister in the lobby along with the original judge’s bench in the grand ballroom, which housed the main courtroom. Pews in the old courtroom were repurposed for other parts of the hotel. The interior doors were reused, replacing the original glass panels with wood.

The hotel’s owner, David Sun, worked very closely with the local heritage authorities to ensure the courthouse building retained much of its historical charm and significance.

“We’ve invested a lot of time and thought into this renovation,” says Sun. “It was so important to us to maintain all its history and character and it really comes through in the final product.”

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