Raffles renovations continue

An open air concept for the moment for the old Raffles Inn as
workers continue on with renovations

A major renovation for one of the city's legendary hotels in underway, with work on the old Raffles hotel quite visible for passersby these days.

The long time fixture at the city's Five Corners was recently purchased by Five Eight investments who have plans to turn the fifty units into long term residences, though in what form their development will take place is still to be determined.

The name Raffles however, like the Drifter before it will now be part of the history of Prince Rupert, with a new name for the new look building to be announced in the future.

For now however, the work continues as the owners look to refresh the building and repurpose it from its previous life as hotel which had allocated a number of rooms as and emergency housing shelter for those in need.

That task of housing those in need has shifted to the Transition House Society which recently opened the 36 unit Crows Nest Lodge Supportive Housing program.

It was a welcome addition to the city's housing stock, though there remains much work to do in providing for safe and affordable shelter for those who are in the most need in the city. Especially as the stock of housing that was once available moves towards different uses.

The Raffles building is not the only former hotel to get a makeover, as we noted earlier this year the old Neptune Inn on Chamberlin Street in the Yellowhead Centre has seen plans revealed for its own
repurposing and renovation.

For more items of interest on the city's housing scene see our archive page here.


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