The Royal Hotel

The Royal Hotel has been a landmark in Picton since 1881, a Victorian-era hub for travellers and community life in Prince Edward County. After decades of decline, the building faced significant degradation, threatening its historic presence on Main Street. The revitalization project aimed to rehabilitate the three-story heritage building while adapting it for contemporary use.

The project was led by Giannone Petricone Associates (GPA), with ERA serving as heritage consultant from approvals through completion. Our role focused on guiding the heritage process and overseeing conservation work during demolition and reconstruction. The approach prioritized retaining the south and west facades while rebuilding the east elevation. Rehabilitation efforts centred on restoring character-defining elements, including repairing stone, brick, and mortar, rehabilitating the wood cornice, and installing new historically compatible windows. Working closely with GPA, we integrated sympathetic design interventions that respect the building’s historic character. These measures ensure the preservation of the building’s heritage fabric while supporting its transformation into a modern hospitality destination.

Today, the renewed Royal Hotel integrates heritage architecture with contemporary amenities, offering 28 guest rooms alongside a spa, gym, sauna, and restaurant. This transformation safeguards a key piece of Picton’s history and sets a benchmark for heritage conservation in the region.