G2A Studio, as specialist hotel architects, was appointed to design a 330-room hotel within the existing building envelope of 280 Central, while also enhancing the retail podium. In the two months following the appointment, the G2A Studio team worked through the concept design process, reviewing the extensive precedent studies and existing building information provided by the client.

The macro architectural design of this project is somewhat pre-determined compared to that of a new build, as the building mass, scale, structural frame, and to a certain extent the external envelope already exist. The areas of significant external change are focused on the Queen Street and Lorne Street podium façades, as well as the Level 15 rooftop zone.

The interior of 280 Central involves substantial—almost complete—reconstruction. The project is currently under construction.