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Devonshire

A Golden Legacy: Good evening Fairmont Empress Gold

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How do you transform a beloved historic Canadian landmark to meet today’s exacting luxury expectations without compromising its storied past? This question guided every decision in renovating Fairmont Empress Gold —from structural preservation to the elegant choice of flooring. CRAFT’s Devonshire Walnut, in DuRa Finish™ Commercial in Chevron, LongCRAFT, and Standard plank formats, played a defining role in achieving the design vision.

Since its grand opening in 1908, Fairmont Empress, Victoria has embodied elegance and hospitality. Queen Elizabeth II herself visited multiple times, at left.

CRAFT joined Nicola Marrison, Director, Fairmont Gold to explore the newly transformed Fairmont Empress Gold Lounge. We discussed the balance of preserving heritage while innovating to meet contemporary luxury standards.

NICOLA: “Yes, the renewed Fairmont GOLD experience marks an exciting chapter, and it’s highlight is the expansive 5,000 sqft lounge, the new space celebrates both the hotel’s heritage and contemporary refinement.”

The journey into Fairmont Empress begins at its iconic entrance.

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Q: What makes the renewed Fairmont Empress Gold experience special?

DAN: “We are thrilled to welcome guests to the transformed Fairmont Gold, where magnificent luxury touches create an unparalleled experience,” said Dan McGowan, General Manager at Fairmont Empress.

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The Fairmont GOLD experience starts the moment a guest arrives, offering exclusive check-in on the hotel’s first floor, dedicated concierge services, and privileged access to the elegant Fairmont GOLD Lounge.

Thoughtful design throughout the lounge reflects nature, from blue and green cabinetry to marble finishes and custom carpet hues inspired by reflections of the sun setting on the water, enhancing the unique Fairmont Gold experience.

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Exposed brick archways, fireplace, and original structural steel beams dating back to 1908 were revealed during renovations, spotlighting discussions about historical preservation, authenticity, and sensitive integration. Craftsmanship and creative consideration defined every restoration decision.

Striking transformation, below:

BEFORE: The raw construction reveals the gritty realities faced during renovation.

Iconic Beams Preservation, above.

AFTER: Encased in glass, original Edwardian structural beams honor the hotel’s architectural heritage, their riveted steel and handcrafted construction visible through aged patina.

1908 Structural Steel Beams

Fairmont Empress Golds’ beams, stand prominently as icons of Edwardian-era engineering. These structural elements where hand-assembled with heavy riveted steel plates, displaying distinctive rounded edges and raw textures unique to early 20th-century construction. Visible signs of age, wear, and patina celebrate the authenticity and durability of these structural elements, and the honest patina from a century of bearing weight.

Compared to their modern counterparts, modern structural steel beams—precision-engineered, uniform, often hidden or minimalist—start their story from installation, clean and visually neutral. In contrast, the Fairmont Empress’s century-old beams, with their hand-assembled rivets and time-earned patina, visibly bear their full historical narrative, capturing both the structural and symbolic weight of history.

The signature Empress 1908 Gin, renowned for its captivating colour and botanical blend, sparked a trend with its vibrant Indigo Gin Lemonade cocktail. Crafted locally in Victoria, each bottle offers guests an authentic taste of the Fairmont Empress’s heritage.

Every plank of CRAFT’s Luxe Collection Devonshire Walnut exudes artisan warmth, bridging the lounge’s exposed structural character with its refined wood elegance. This meticulously crafted floor quietly narrates the hotel’s enduring legacy.

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Morning unveils gentle luxury, soft sunlight, and serene harbor views.

Art Deco-inspired pendant lighting fixtures bring glamour to the lounge. Their sleek metallic finishes and textured glass bathe the space in warmth and understated elegance.

For CRAFT, renewing the Fairmont Empress Gold Lounge encapsulates our core values: craftsmanship, timeless authenticity, and enduring elegance. Our Devonshire Walnut flooring protected by our DuRa Finish™ Commercial, contributes to a space where heritage and modern luxury naturally align. We’re honored to play a role in revitalizing such an iconic landmark, a testament to Canada’s rich architectural heritage and luxurious tradition.

Learn More: Fairmont Empress
Architecture & Design: HBA
In Conjunction with: Bosa Development
Flooring Installation: Island Floor Centre
Design Contributions: Tanti Interiors

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