McClelland Hotel

McCelland hotel

McClelland Hotel – A Future Landmark in Downtown Windsor

Overview

The McClelland is a planned 160-room boutique hotel in downtown Windsor, strategically located at 550 McClelland Drive, adjacent to the Town Green. This highly anticipated project is envisioned as a key driver of hospitality and economic growth, offering upscale accommodations, a rooftop bar, a ground-floor restaurant, and retail spaces. Designed to enhance the vibrancy of downtown Windsor, the hotel aims to attract visitors, support local businesses, and strengthen the area’s appeal as a premier destination.

Project Features & Design

The McClelland Hotel incorporates sustainable and pedestrian-friendly elements to blend seamlessly with Windsor’s downtown environment. Key features include:

  • 160 guest rooms
  • Rooftop terrace & bar
  • Ground-floor restaurant & bar
  • Retail space along McClelland Drive
  • Meeting and event spaces
  • Sustainability features, including rooftop solar panels, passive solar shading, LED lighting, and EV charging stations

Designed by Stanton Architecture, the hotel’s contemporary aesthetic harmonizes modern hospitality trends with Windsor’s small-town charm.

Development Challenges & Project Status

The Planning Commission approved the planning entitlements for The McClelland on December 14, 2020.  After completing the permit review process, construction activities began in May 2023, starting with excavation for the underground garage.  However, construction was halted due to shifting economic conditions that impacted project financing as banks became less willing to finance new hotel construction.

2023 Project Revisions

To address these financial challenges, the developer, Windsor Town Green Hotel LLC, proposed significant modifications to reduce costs while preserving the hotel’s core vision. On October 10, 2023, the Windsor Planning Commission approved a Revision to File application, which included:

  • Reducing the hotel from five to four stories and decreasing the room count from 160 to 135, while keeping the rooftop terrace & bar
  • Eliminating the underground parking garage, replacing it with surface parking
  • Minor adjustments to the floor plans

Community Concerns & Appeal Process

The Planning Commission’s approval of revisions was appealed and on November 15, 2023, the Town Council reviewed the appeals and directed staff to revisit the project on December 6, 2023, for further discussion on feasibility and potential revisions. Town Council members expressed concerns that the overall design of the hotel would be inadequate if it was paired with a surface parking lot.

The developer subsequently withdrew the application for the modified hotel. As a result, the original 160-room, five-story hotel with underground parking remains the approved project.

Future Outlook & Next Steps

Despite financial challenges and design revisions, The McClelland remains a critical project for Windsor’s tourism, business growth, and economic revitalization. The Town of Windsor remains committed to working with stakeholders to move this important project forward and explore potential pathways to bring the vision of The McClelland to reality.

Stay Updated

As new developments emerge, additional updates will be shared by the Town of Windsor.