Update on Block 4 Conference Centre development headed to Council on Tuesday, Nov. 18

A report outlining the background and next steps regarding a proposed conference centre and mixed-use development on the Block 4 land adjacent to Slush Puppie Place will be presented to Council this Tuesday, November 18.

This latest update will provide Council and the public with information about the development including details on what is proposed to be built on the land directly south of Slush Puppie Place, known as Block 4. Block 4 is bordered by The Tragically Hip Way, King Street East, Ontario Street and Queen Street.

About the conference centre project 

The City has been exploring options for redeveloping the Block 4 land for the last several years, including the possibility of developing a hospitality-focused, purpose-built conference center. The conference centre project is identified as a Council strategic priority: “Driving Inclusive Economic Growth,” particularly as it pertains to enhancing Kingston as a tourist destination and ensuring the downtown remains vibrant.

The Patry Group, with partners Milhaus and Broccolini, was selected as the Preferred Developer following a three-stage process that began with a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEOI) issued in September 2023 and two stages of Requests for Proposals. 

The proposed development features a 54,500 square foot conference centre that can accommodate up to 1,000 people in banquet table configurations, event and exhibit space, breakout and casual meeting spaces, a 2,000 square foot kitchen, state of the art lighting, sound and projection systems, and communication and internet infrastructure suitable for full-capacity events.

The development will also include restaurant space, a hotel, residential units, ground floor commercial spaces and other complimentary uses. A minimum of 169 public parking spaces is included in the proposal.

About the Preferred Developer 

The Patry Group is a privately owned integrated real estate development company that provides a range of rental apartment units and commercial spaces in Kingston and Ottawa. Milhaus is based in Indianapolis and manages over $2 billion in residential assets across the United States, with specialization in multi-family and urban redevelopment that integrates residential, retail and community-oriented spaces.  Broccolini has developed and built more than 50 million square feet of real estate including mixed-use towers, commercial complexes and residential revitalization initiatives across Canada. 

Next Steps 

Council has provided staff with direction to enter into a 120-day exclusivity period with the project proponents for detailed negotiations. If successful, the proponent team will partner with Atlific Hotels to be the hotel and conference centre operator. Atlific Hotels is a Canadian hotel management company with experience in conference and convention hotel accommodations.   

The final form of the binding partnership agreements will be subject to future Council approval and the proposal will be subject to all required Planning Act approvals.  The Preferred Developer intends to engage with the public and key stakeholders using a variety of methods, and there will be further opportunities for public feedback as part of the Planning approvals process.