Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1511108
use development, The National, a revival and redevelop- ment of Gainesville's long-vacant First National Bank by developer and owner, Capstone Property Group, LLC. "Courtyard Gainesville is officially open for business, rounding out our offerings at The National," said Dr. Jeffrey Payne, chairman of Capstone Property Group. "It's been incredibly rewarding working on this project, watching our vision come to life and effectively trans- forming the downtown Gainesville landscape. We couldn't be prouder to introduce two inviting new venues for Gainesville visitors and residents to work, stay, play and enjoy." Dr. Payne joined project partners Reese Vanderbilt, Ecker Construction, McKibbon Places, and McKibbon Hospitality for an intimate ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the hotel's completion and official opening day. An attractive new select-service lodging option for business and leisure travelers, Courtyard Gainesville pro- vides prime access to a range of local award-winning restaurants, unique boutiques and venues, including Boot Barn Hall at Bourbon Brothers and Brenau Amphitheatre, with Lake Lanier just a short drive away. The 77,000 square-foot property boasts 130 rooms and five spacious suites across seven stories and features a multitude of dynamic communal spaces and refined design elements to create a welcoming and inspiring home-away-from-home experience. Notable amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center, flexible work and gathering spaces nestled throughout the property, and an expansive outdoor terrace outfitted with comfortable seating and bar service, perfect for connecting with friends, family and cowork- ers. The brand's s i g n a t u r e C o u r t y a r d Lounge and Bistro ensure guests can fuel up for the day ahead or wind down after a long day, serv- ing elevated made-to-order b r e a k f a s t items and Starbucks cof- fee in the morning with a variety of flavorful din- ner dishes and c o c k t a i l options avail- able in the evening. In addition to supporting in-house events, the hotel's skilled Food & Beverage team have been tapped to provide catering services for The National's new conference and event space neighboring the hotel, The Vault at The National. Home to several dif- ferent tenants over the years including Georgia Power and The American Red Cross, the former historic Walton Jackson Building has been restored by Capstone Property Group and reintroduced as an all-encompassing art-deco event space ideal for weddings, corporate events and more. Courtyard by Marriott Gainesville, as well as The National and The Vault at the National, were developed by owners Capstone Property Group, LLC. Reese Vanderbilt Architects oversaw the architecture and interi- or design of the hotel with Ecker Construction as the gen- eral contractor and McKibbon's development and reno- vations arm, McKibbon Places, overseeing the develop- ment and construction of the project. The company's hos- pitality management arm, McKibbon Hospitality, has been charged with operating the hotel and The Vault, employing 40 individuals led by General Manager Wayne Cannon, Assistant General Manager Katherine Mooney, Director of Sales Lauren Nicholson, and Chef & Beverage Director David Guilford. B M & T ••• November/December 2023 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 10 Courtyard by Marriott ribbon cutting