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Sault Ste. Marie's Mill Tower Set for Major Redevelopment
The Mill Tower has been part of Sault Ste. Marie’s skyline since 1895, standing as one of the city’s most recognizable industrial landmarks
After sitting vacant since 2012, the century-old structure is now the focus of a major redevelopment effort that aims to bring new life to the waterfront. BMI Group, working in partnership with Garden River First Nation and Batchewana First Nation, is moving forward with plans to fully convert the tower into a modern hotel and community destination.
The proposal includes approximately 100 hotel rooms, a full conference centre, and a Nordic-style spa built inside the historic building. The redevelopment also features new cultural and gathering spaces shaped directly with both First Nations partners, reflecting the site’s long history as a traditional meeting place along the river. The goal is to transform the long-idle mill property into a year-round destination connected to the growing Canal District.
Developers say the tower’s location on the river is central to the project’s design. The site carries deep cultural significance and has long served as a point of connection for the region. Market studies show demand for an upscale hotel in Sault Ste. Marie, and the partners believe the Mill Tower is uniquely positioned to fill that gap while supporting tourism, events, and community use.
Timelines and costs are still being finalized, but the partnership says the vision remains clear: restore the landmark, honour the history of the site, and create a new anchor for economic and cultural activity in Sault Ste. Marie.
