On Friday, developer Scott Stiteler was tasked with signing documents with the Rio Nuevo District, making the Private-Public-Partnership (P3) agreement for an AC Hotel by Marriott in Downtown Tucson official. Mark Irvin, as Secretary, represented the Rio Nuevo District at the signing. Rio Nuevo buying the parking structure after it is constructed for leaseback to the hotel and the City's tax abatement help to make the financing feasible.
Stiteler, the developer behind Proper, Diablo Burger, Hub, Sparkroot, Playground, Connect Coworking and other popular locations downtown has been a placemaker for downtown for some time, developing and promoting the downtown core as a truly urban destination that models the live, work, play ideals.
With such a monumental event occurring in the Tucson business and real estate communities, the Stiteler team coordinated the attendance of appropriate elected officials and business leaders at the signing, such as City Council members Regina Romero, Richard Fimbres and Steve Kozachik and Mike Rankin, City Attorney. Rio Nuevo board members, Cody Ritchie, Jeff Hill and Mark Irvin were among the dignitaries present along with about 50 other ‘downtown supporters’ attending the signing ceremony. City of Tucson Mayor Jonathan Rothschild, Rio Nuevo Chairman, Fletcher McCusker and others who were unable to attend sent their regrets and acknowledgments of the historic event.
The $32 million, eight story, 150-room boutique hotel at 5th Avenue and Broadway will be one of the first ‘AC by Marriott’ branded hotels in the country, a venture that reflects the continued economic growth and increasing investments in the downtown area. The ‘AC’ is named after Spanish hotelier Antonio Catalán who entered a joint venture with Marriott International. For the first time in the company’s history, Marriott International is importing a hotel brand into the North American market.
“I’m excited to have this hotel built right in the heart of Tucson’s downtown, surrounded by the restaurants and bars of the entertainment district,” said Stiteler. “The arts and theater, our remodeled convention center, the high-rise offices, student housing and, of course Sun Link, will all be steps away from this hip, stylish new hotel.”
Irvin added, “We believe the project will continue the welcome momentum of downtown and as several people have alluded, shows that change is never easy, not easy – but possible.”
Miguel Fuentevilla, architect of the project with Fors Architecture in Tucson, can already envision the hotel and talked about the anticipation of walking into the lobby of this beautiful hotel, being handed your hotel key, and making your way to the place that you will call home for the next few days. From the moment you enter the lobby and look out through the floor-to-ceiling windows, you’ll feel immersed in a cosmopolitan hotel with an urban vibe.
AC Hotels by Marriott is a European import, currently offered in more than 72 hotels in Spain, Italy, Portugal and France. Inspired by the runways and fashion houses of Milan, the brand features simple, clean and crisp lines, marrying sophisticated European style with approachable design for a distinctly urban feel. A sleek and modern approach to design combined with unique elements which will embody the character of Tucson’s rich history.
The first AC Hotel New Orleans Bourbon / French Quarter area is scheduled to open next month, located in downtown New Orleans and only steps away from the French Quarter.
