Imagine transforming the forgotten ground floor of a high-rise apartment building into a vibrant hub where locals and visitors alike can sip coffee by day and groove to live jazz by night— that's the magic Canadian design firm Ste Marie has brought to Edmonton's bustling downtown.
Tucked at the base of a sleek residential tower in Alberta's capital city, Ste Marie has crafted three interconnected but uniquely flavored hospitality spots: the sunny Va Caffè for casual daytime bites, the elegant Olia for upscale Italian dining, and the moody Mimi lounge for evening entertainment. All part of the Citizen on Jasper development right in the heart of Edmonton, these venues were dreamed up by Vancouver-based Ste Marie to offer diverse food and drink adventures under one roof. For beginners dipping their toes into urban design, think of it like creating mini-neighborhoods within a building—each space feels like its own world, yet they're linked to encourage exploration.
It all started when acclaimed chef Daniel Costa tapped Ste Marie to reimagine the tower's street-level areas. His vision? Turn what might have been empty retail shells into welcoming community anchors that draw in residents and passersby, fostering a sense of belonging and cultural buzz. But here's where it gets interesting: fitting these lively spots into an already-built structure without disrupting the privacy of upstairs dwellers or losing that public allure. As Ste Marie puts it, the real puzzle was blending everything seamlessly—keeping the venues cohesive for top-notch visitor vibes while letting each shine on its own terms. They nailed it by choosing distinct material schemes for every area, all opening directly onto the street and flowing into one another inside, making it easy to wander from coffee to cocktails without missing a beat.
Let's dive into Va Caffè first, the go-to spot for all-day coffee and light eats. Picture a light-filled haven with fresh, invigorating vibes: walls in crisp white paired with soft beige tiles, accented by deep hunter green tones and warm walnut paneling on the walls and furnishings. It's like stepping into a cozy forest glade in the middle of the city—inviting and energizing, perfect for morning meetings or afternoon pick-me-ups. For those new to interior design, this color play isn't random; greens evoke nature and calm, while woods add that organic, approachable feel that makes people linger.
Shifting gears to Olia, the fine-dining Italian gem that evolves from lunch haven to romantic evening retreat. Its neutral palette keeps things sophisticated and understated—custom wooden benches and tables crafted just for the space, all glowing under soft yellow lights as dusk falls. A standout feature? The artistic host stand that greets you like a sculpture, and those illuminated cube niches behind the bar showcasing bottles and glassware in a mesmerizing display. And this is the part most people miss: how the lighting shifts the mood so dramatically, turning a simple meal into an immersive experience that highlights Italian cuisine's warmth and heritage.
Then there's Mimi, the lounge where the night truly comes alive with DJ spins, indie film nights, and smooth jazz performances. Wrapped in luxurious deep reds like oxblood and rich chocolates, it's a sultry, intimate escape from the everyday. Overhead, a row of glowing light boxes floats above the seating, edged with textured fabrics that add a tactile, artistic flair. Along one wall stretches a sleek marble bar counter, ideal for mingling, while on the opposite side, plush orange velvet sofas and booths form cozy corners for deep conversations. Mirrored panels with globe-shaped lamps bounce light around, cleverly making the room feel bigger and more enchanting. If you're wondering how design influences social vibes, these elements encourage interaction—think how the nooks promote private chats amid the buzz of live music.
Ste Marie sums up the project's bigger impact beautifully: in a city dominated by cars, they've breathed life into an overlooked building base, promoting foot traffic, sparking cultural events, and providing a blueprint for blending living spaces with lively public areas in urban settings. It's more than just pretty interiors; it's about building stronger communities through smart hospitality. But does this model really work everywhere, or is it too idealistic for sprawling North American cities? That's a point that could stir some debate among urban planners and designers.
Excitingly, the Olia, Mimi, and Va Caffè ensemble at Citizen on Jasper has made the shortlist for the Restaurant Interior category in the 2025 Dezeen Awards, rubbing shoulders with global contenders like Brass by Islyn Studio in New York City (a bold, industrial-chic spot), Aigli Zappeiou by Neiheiser Argyros and Esé Studio in Athens (Mediterranean elegance meets modern minimalism), Scusa by Spacegram Studio in Lisbon (playful Portuguese flair), and Onyx Æther by URBA and EJTECH in Budapest (futuristic vibes with a tech edge). Being up against such international talent underscores how Ste Marie's thoughtful approach stands out.
Hailing from Vancouver, Ste Marie has a knack for hospitality projects across Canada, turning ordinary spaces into extraordinary escapes. Take their Meo bar and restaurant in Vancouver's Chinatown, inspired by the quirky, colorful 'love motels' of Hong Kong—vibrant neon and playful motifs that nod to cultural fusion. Or the Flourist bakery and mill, bathed in toasty 'malty' shades that mimic fresh-baked goods, complete with exposed grains and warm textures to celebrate artisanal baking. These examples show their versatility, always tying design to the story of the food or drinks served.
Photos by the talented Conrad Brown capture every atmospheric detail, bringing the spaces to life on the page.
What do you think—can designs like these truly shift a car-loving city toward more walkable, community-driven streets, or is it just a flashy trend? Share your takes in the comments below; I'd love to hear if you've visited similar spots and how they changed your view of urban living!
