Following a comprehensive multi-phase renovation, The Kenrick Hotel has officially reopened its doors in Banff, Alberta. Formerly known as the High Country Inn, which originally opened in 1982, the family-owned property has been reimagined as a modern boutique retreat blending luxury, heritage, and innovation. The ambitious redevelopment project, led by national construction firm BUILD IT, represents not only a major addition to Banff’s hospitality scene but also a demonstration of the power of meticulous planning and deep collaboration.
“We were brought into the project through referrals and a proven track record,” explained Andrew Lobas, West Coast Partner at BUILD IT, in an interview. “Our hospitality experience and existing footprint in Alberta, particularly in Banff, made us a strong contender. We were already working on another project on Banff Avenue with Herschel Supply Co. when we connected with the hotel’s ownership. That opened the door for us.”
From Retail to Hospitality: BUILD IT’s Expanded Role
BUILD IT’s prior work with Herschel Supply Co. in Banff acted as a catalyst that positioned the firm as the right construction partner for this complex hotel redevelopment. The Kenrick project marked BUILD IT’s first full-scale hotel renovation, requiring the company to draw from its extensive hospitality expertise while navigating the unique challenges of building within a national park.
“The project was essentially a hybrid between a renovation and a new build,” said Lobas. “We stripped the building down to its studs, upgrading all the systems—mechanical, electrical, infrastructure—to meet modern-day standards while retaining the property’s original character.”
Spanning approximately 40,000 square feet, the renovation encompassed 70 guest suites, a spa and saltwater pool, conference center, lobby, food and beverage spaces, staff offices, housekeeping, and a complete overhaul of the building’s exterior envelope, including new roofing, siding, and painting.
Navigating National Park Regulations
Working within Banff National Park presented a unique set of challenges and requirements. BUILD IT collaborated closely with Parks Canada and the Town of Banff to comply with strict regulations.
“We had to perform erosion and sediment control mitigation, waste dispersion management, and even migratory bat and bird studies before beginning exterior work,” Lobas noted. “There are extensive rules to ensure that we remain good construction partners in such a sensitive environment.”
Tight Timelines, Strategic Planning
Remarkably, the construction phase of the project was completed in just over six months. Lobas explained that one of BUILD IT’s key recommendations to the client was to fully shut down the hotel during the renovation period, which significantly accelerated the schedule compared to the more typical 12-month timeframe for similar projects.
“Shutting down the hotel allowed us to approach the renovation holistically,” he said. “We weren’t phasing work around guests, which allowed us to push forward efficiently and stay on schedule.”
The design phase began six to eight months before construction commenced in October, with the majority of the work completed by the following May. The Nora Spa and pool facilities will be fully open by June 2025, completing the project.
A Collaborative Design Process
Multiple partners played key roles in bringing The Kenrick’s vision to life. Mera Studio served as the project’s lead architect, working closely with both BUILD IT and the hotel’s ownership team to marry design vision with operational needs.
“The collaboration was seamless,” said Lobas. “Mera Studio brought tremendous creativity, and we worked hand-in-hand with them to ensure the brand identity was reflected in every detail. The renderings produced by 8 Station were so accurate that, when compared to finished photography, it’s difficult to tell which is which.”
Blending Modern Luxury with Rustic Charm
While modernized throughout, The Kenrick remains true to Banff’s natural and historical surroundings. The design incorporates rustic elements such as original exposed beams in the lobby alongside sophisticated custom millwork, curved mirrors, integrated lighting, and layered mixed materials.
“The building itself is a composite of three structures, each built in a different era,” Lobas explained. “Part of the challenge was stitching together these different construction types into one consistent guest experience.”
One standout feature is the wellness-focused Nora Spa, which includes a rare saltwater pool, hot and cold plunge tubs, sauna, steam room, and treatment areas—amenities that place The Kenrick in a league of its own among Banff’s luxury accommodations.
Sustainability Built In
Environmental sustainability was a priority throughout the project, in keeping with the responsibilities of operating within a national park. BUILD IT implemented extensive recycling protocols during demolition, coordinated erosion control measures, and updated all mechanical and electrical systems to improve energy efficiency and long-term sustainability.
“We essentially future-proofed the hotel,” said Lobas. “For example, electrical panels were individualized per floor for better control and efficiency. Modern HVAC systems, advanced communications technology between rooms and the front desk, and state-of-the-art audiovisual systems were also installed.”
Creating a Unique Construction Culture
Beyond technical expertise, BUILD IT also fostered a collaborative on-site culture to keep the project moving smoothly. Given Banff’s remote location, tradespeople and subcontractors were brought in from Calgary and housed locally throughout the build.
“We created a real community on-site,” Lobas said. “Our team and trade partners lived and worked together, often cooking dinners as a group after long days. This sense of camaraderie helped ensure everyone was pulling in the same direction, delivering the best possible result for the client.”
BUILD IT also worked with neighbouring hotels to secure accommodations for crews and coordinated closely with the hotel’s operations team to train staff in newly completed rooms as each phase wrapped.
Early Guest Praise and Community Excitement
Though recently reopened, The Kenrick is already receiving enthusiastic guest feedback. Early reviews have praised the hotel’s elevated guest experience, luxurious amenities, and attention to detail.
“Some guests have already described it as one of the nicest hotels in Banff—and even beyond,” Lobas shared. “The response has been tremendous. Bookings are exceeding the initial business plan projections, which is the strongest testament to the success of the project.”
The transformation has also been warmly welcomed by the Banff community, with the hotel contributing to the town’s hospitality offerings and tourism appeal.
Boutique Touches Enhance Guest Experience
The Kenrick has embraced a fully boutique approach, offering guests the opportunity to purchase many of the room elements they encounter during their stay.
“If a guest loves the custom sash on the bed or the bath products, they can purchase them right from the room,” said Lobas. “It’s a very personalized, boutique experience that adds another layer to their stay.”
Food, Beverage, and Retail Amenities Expand the Offering
In addition to its accommodations and spa, The Kenrick features several food, beverage, and retail options that further distinguish the property.
Fat Ox, the hotel’s in-house Italian restaurant, offers an elevated dining experience with vegetarian and gluten-free options. Banff’s popular Analog Coffee will open this summer, serving guests and visitors alike. The outdoor patio space, complete with fire pits and softscape seating, creates a vibrant social hub for both hotel guests and the constant flow of skiers, hikers, and tourists passing by on Banff Avenue.
“This is not just a hotel—it’s a destination,” Lobas said. “We designed it to serve both guests staying overnight and locals or tourists passing through.”
A Model for Future Remote Hospitality Projects
The Kenrick’s renovation demonstrates how the right construction partner can help hospitality operators navigate the complexities of remote locations, condensed timelines, and regulatory hurdles.
“More hotel operators are realizing the benefits of bringing the entire project team—construction, design, and ownership—together early in the process,” Lobas emphasized. “That collaboration allows us to problem-solve proactively and deliver results that exceed expectations.”
An Industry Benchmark
For BUILD IT, The Kenrick stands as a milestone project showcasing the firm’s ability to handle complex, large-scale hospitality builds.
“It’s really reinforced our leadership in the hospitality construction sector,” Lobas reflected. “This is a special project for us—one that will serve as a benchmark for what’s possible when you combine vision, expertise, and teamwork.”
The Kenrick Hotel is located at 419 Banff Avenue in Banff, Alberta.
