Proposed hotel looks to expand campus and community services 

With our campus and community continuing to grow and evolve, Waterloo’s Board of Governors has approved University support for the re-zoning required for the Kothari Group’s proposal to build a hotel and conference centre. The developer-led proposal is to build a nine-storey hotel on Hagey Boulevard in the David Johnston Research + Technology Park. 

For more than two years, the Kothari Group has developed the proposal for a new hotel that includes a conference centre and guest accommodations to serve the needs of University visitors, local businesses and the surrounding community. Kothari Group is an alumni-founded development firm with expertise in hotel infrastructure.  

“Changes across our campus and city signal the need to reimagine how our physical spaces serve evolving community and institutional needs,” says Jacinda Reitsma, vice-president, administration and finance. “Kothari Group’s proposal demonstrates how space in the R+T Park can be used to support not only campus priorities but also broader community services.” 

The proposed location offers access to the ION and nearby institutions, enabling it to serve visiting academics and community members attending local events or using nearby sports facilities. 

The City of Waterloo is expected to review the zoning change application this fall. The University will share updates with the campus community as more information becomes available.