The Postmark Hotel marked its years-long journey of restoration, renovation and construction on Newmarket's historic Main Street with a grand opening celebration yesterday.
The ribbon was cut at the entrance-way steps of the former 1914 post office, with the iconic clock tower perched above, by Newmarket Mayor John Taylor and council, Newmarket-Aurora MPP Dawn Gallagher Murphy, Daniel Bernstein, president of Archive Hospitality Group, Robb Dalgleish, associate director at DREAM , and Avi Wulfand, general manager of The Postmark Hotel.
The celebration continued upstairs in the spacious new wing addition, which includes the boutique hotel’s rooftop restaurant Overlea and expansive glass-walled event space and terraces offering a panorama of the town.
"They took over a landmark right here in downtown Newmarket and they've renovated and they've made it into this most amazing — I'd say iconic — location in Newmarket that we've ever had," Gallagher Murphy said in her congratulatory remarks.
A scroll presented to the hotel's general manager acknowledged the innovation behind the Postmark project and for "taking a cherished landmark and bringing it to life by restoring and creating a unique boutique hotel, by offering distinctive accommodation as well as iconic gathering and dining experiences for Newmarket residents and beyond."
"You are contributing to the economic development of our beloved historic downtown Main Street. Wishing the Archive Hospitality Group great success as you embark on this exciting journey in Newmarket," the scroll stated.
She recalled a visit to the hotel while it was under construction with Premier Doug Ford to show him that "Newmarket is building Ontario with a very special type of build," and recognized Newmarket council and the town's economic development team for having "the wisdom and the will to bring this type of location and revitalize our downtown."
"Our vision for the Postmark has been to create a space that combines modern comfort with the charm of the building's historical roots and to create a place that is a hub of the Newmarket community," Bernstein said in his remarks.
"Every detail of the Postmark Hotel is infused with the elements that pay tribute to its past, creating a unique blend of nostalgia and contemporary hospitality. The Postmark was designed for this community and we are so grateful to be sharing it with you today and for the warm welcome," he added.
Archive's mission is to revitalize architectural landmarks as vibrant places where community and travellers can come together, Bernstein said, referencing the "entirely unique" Gladstone House, Broadview Hotel and now the Postmark Hotel.
"We are made by and for the community from locally sourced amenities to the art adoring our walls, we are dedicated to supporting small businesses and showcasing local artists from the neighbourhoods that we call home," he said.
Dagliesh said the Postmark Hotel "reflects both the spirit of innovation and the rich history of community."
"This building, once a post office for the community, holds a tremendous amount of significance and our goal has always been to continue that legacy by making the Postmark a gathering place for both locals and visitors alike. Newmarket has such a vibrant culture and we are committed to engaging with the community to keep this culture strong," he said
