Envisioning a rush of tourists to the Pacific Coast, city boosters at the turn of the 20C struck a deal with the Canadian Pacific Railroad to establish fast ferry service from the mainland to Victoria and to build there another in its series of choice hotels. The project began in 1904. It involved filling in the mudflats to the east of the present Inner Harbour (then the malodorous dumping grounds for local manufactories) and building a stone causeway (now Government Street). English architect Francis Rattenbury designed the Empress's original chateau-like structure, which was subsequently surrounded by several wings. The original building opened its 116 rooms with much fanfare in 1908. The hotel became famous for its gardens, its potted palms, its afternoon tea and its lavish evening entertainment. Frequented by royalty, celebrities, elite travelers and honeymooners over the years, the hotel underwent an extensive renovation in 1989.