A big new building is on the way in Banff — here's what it looks like | Daily Hive

A huge new building is in the works in downtown Banff and here's what it'll look like

GagliardiPhotography/Shutterstock | Parks Canada

A winning design has been chosen for the 200-Block Banff Avenue Redevelopment project after a months-long design competition.

The 200-Block Banff Avenue Redevelopment has been on the table from Parks Canada since the late 1990s, after the federal agency noticed a need to improve reception, orientation, and education services for visitors to the park.

It was determined that the best place to deliver the improvements would be in the heart of Banff, where 80 per cent of visitors stop during their trip. Knowing it would take many years to come to fruition, Parks Canada began acquiring the necessary lands on the 200-block of Banff Avenue.

In June 2025, Parks Canada and the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) launched a design competition, after which six respondents provided full conceptual design proposals.

The winning design comes from Paul Raff Studio and Kengo Kuma & Associates, which was recommended by an independent jury assembled by the RAIC, who evaluated all six designs to decide a winner.

Here’s a look at the winning design:

Parks Canada

Parks Canada

You might also like:

The jury highlighted the design’s strong sustainability approach, its emphasis on landscape and public space, and its balanced integration of conservation, heritage, Indigenous perspectives and visitor experience.

Parks Canada says that while this design won, “The selected concept does not represent a final design, but rather the strongest foundation from which the project can continue to evolve.”

Parks Canada will begin working closely with Paul Raff Studio and Kengo Kuma & Associates to refine the design as they go through engagement, environmental, and protection processes.

You can find the winning design online.