Ste Marie shapes multi-venue dining destination in Edmonton

Canadian design practice Ste Marie Studio has completed a trio of interconnected hospitality venues at the base of Citizen on Jasper, a residential tower in the centre of Edmonton, Alberta.

Conceived as distinct yet complementary destinations, the venues include the daytime café Va Caffè, the Italian fine dining restaurant Olia, and the nightlife lounge Mimi.

GALLERY  

The hospitality spaces were commissioned by chef Daniel Costa, who asked the studio to transform the tower’s street level into a series of community-focused venues. While each space offers a different culinary and social experience, they are physically connected and accessible directly from the street, allowing them to operate as an integrated cultural destination for residents and the wider public.

According to Ste Marie, the project required careful planning to integrate multiple hospitality concepts within the existing building envelope while maintaining a sense of individuality. The studio balanced public visibility with the privacy needs of residents above, while ensuring each venue delivers a cohesive guest experience.

Material palettes play a central role in defining each venue’s identity. At Va Caffè, a bright daytime setting encourages casual visits and coffee throughout the day. Hunter green tones are paired with walnut panelling and furniture, set against white walls and beige tiles that amplify the natural light entering the space.

Next door, Olia transitions from daytime dining to evening service through a restrained interior palette and carefully considered lighting. Neutral tones frame bespoke wooden benches and tables, while a sculptural host stand greets arriving guests. Behind the bar, cube-shaped niches glow softly to display liquor bottles and glassware, creating a warm focal point after dark.

Mimi offers a contrasting atmosphere designed for late night programming. The lounge hosts DJ sets, arthouse film screenings and live jazz performances within a darker interior finished in oxblood red and chocolate tones. A row of suspended light boxes wrapped in patterned fabric floats above the tables, casting a soft glow across the room. Along one side, a marble bar counter runs the length of the space, while orange velvet sofas and booths create intimate seating zones. Mirrored wall panels fitted with globe lamps extend the visual depth of the room.

By activating the underused base of a residential tower in a largely car-oriented city, Ste Marie’s project introduces new street life while demonstrating how hospitality design can strengthen community connections and encourage walkable urban activity.

Images by Conrad Brown via Dezeen

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