Months after the former Days Inn hotel on Gordon Street was turned into temporary student housing, its new moniker has been publicly revealed – Gordon Hall Residence.
Leased by the University of Guelph, the former hotel at 785 Gordon St. recently underwent a rebranding effort. That lease is set to last for three years, through to August of 2026, as private efforts to demolish the hotel in favour of a 10-storey, purpose-built student residence make their way through the planning appeals process.
City council rejected the plan in September of 2022. Soon after, the owner, 2371633 Ontario Inc., filed a notice of appeal with the Ontario Land Tribunal.
That appeal is set to be heard over 10 days, beginning Oct. 21.
The city’s committee of adjustment granted permission last summer for the existing building to be used for student housing over a three-year period. A request to allow the temporary use for six years was rejected.
Committee members heard the existing structure has 86 rooms, with plans to provide housing for 169 students, university staff and advisors.
