Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1016288
information, please visit online, call (805) 969-2261. The AC Marriott brand continued its successful growth and expansion recently when officials held a ribbon cutting ceremony with employees, executives and community officials to celebrate the opening of the brand's 40th property in the United States, and 132nd in the world. There are currently more locations underway in nearby cities, including Nashville and St. Louis and the first New York City l o c a t i o n opened in April. The new hotel will be called AC Hotel NuLu, or New Louis- ville, reflect- ing the name of its sur- r o u n d i n g n e i g h b o r - hood. It is expected to be one of the brand's most unique prop- erties, with a slew of rest- aurants, bou- tiques, shops, bars and gal- leries right outside the front door. There is even an ax throwing venue and rock wall climbing facility within walking distance. The AC Hotel NuLu features 2,629 sq. ft. of event space, includ- ing three rooms, the largest of which will accommodate up to 300, the perfect setting for small groups and board meetings. "Even though we just opened, we feel like this is already one of the best kept secrets in the system," said Mark Laport, presi- dent and CEO of Concord Hospitality Enterprises. "Guests will have so many options within footsteps that they likely can plan on just parking their car in the adjacent garage and leaving it there for the duration of their stay. We think they'll have so much fun, in fact, that they will return just to enjoy this great downtown neighborhood." The new hotel boasts a full glass street front wall that allows guests to view the bustling NuLu neighborhood and surroundings from the main lobby. Popular staples of the AC Hotel brand, including the AC Lounge, AC Kitchen, AC Gym and AC Library, are all integrated into the sleek and ultra- modern space. At AC Hotel NuLu, guests will have the option of staying inside the hotel and enjoying drinks or tapas at the AC Lounge – or they can venture into the busy neigh- borhood to shop, eat or engage in a number of activities, including the locally popular Big Four Pedestrian Bridge that traverses the iconic Ohio River, located just a few blocks from the hotel. Guests can also walk to concerts at the KFC Yum! Center or even visit a number of museums that dot the city's nearby Main Street. L a p o r t , who attend- ed the cere- mony, said the city's smart use of an all-electric powered, no fee "Zero- Bus" line and the proper- ty's proximi- ty to several major per- f o r m a n c e and sports venues just blocks away from the hotel help create a hotel e x p e r i e n c e for guests that they will r e m e m b e r . He also cred- ited several neighborhood organizations and individuals who pro- vided local support and insight. The new five-story, 156-room hotel is 73,000 sq. ft. with a 195-parking space garage. The property is being developed by The 725 Partners: Ron and Mollie Turnier who founded Creation Gardens in Louisville; Rob Webber, chief operating officer of Creation Gardens; local developer Terry Chynoweth and Steve Kersey, the lead architect and partner of Kersey and Kersey. Concord Hospitality Enterprises, based in Raleigh, N.C., will manage the property, which will operate as an AC Hotel by Marriott brand. Assisting with the financing are the Whitman Peterson real- estate investment and management company and the Bluegrass International Fund. B M & T ••• July/August 2018 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 9 AC MARRIOTT OPENS NEWEST LOCATION IN LOUISVILLE SUCCESSFUL EXPANSION OF MARRIOTT BRAND CONTINUES