Aloft Durham Downtown is slated to open in 2015 in a unique mixed-use complex, near sports and cultural venues, research triangle, shops and dining.
STAMFORD, CONN. – Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announced it will introduce its fast growing Aloft brand to Durham, North Carolina. Aloft Durham Downtown will break ground later this year with an opening scheduled for May 2015 in the revitalized American Tobacco Historic District, which celebrates its 10th anniversary next year. Owned by Davidson & Jones, the newly constructed Aloft hotel will cater to the next generation of travelers with 134 spacious, loft-like rooms, techforward innovation and a buzzing, social atmosphere in a prime downtown location between the Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC) and the Durham Bulls Athletic Park.
“The leading-edge design and social vibe offered by our Aloft brand is a terrific match for the revitalized American Tobacco Historic District, an exciting mixed-use complex that has helped accelerate the redevelopment of downtown Durham,” said Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President, Specialty Select Brands for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. “Aloft just reached its 75th hotel milestone, driven by robust demand in dynamic markets across the globe.”
Aloft Durham Downtown will be ideally located at the intersection of Blackwell and Vivian Streets, offering direct access to Durham Bulls’ baseball games and top theater performances at DPAC. The new Aloft will be a key component of the American Tobacco Historic District, which launched a massive redevelopment and restoration project in 2004 to transform the iconic American Tobacco Company’s campus into a unique mixed-use development complex with local and national corporations, restaurants and event venues. The hotel will also be convenient to the Durham Convention Center, Duke University and Medical Center and Research Triangle Park – one of the nation’s most prestigious high-tech and biotech hubs. Just five miles from the Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), Aloft Durham Downtown will offer amenities including an outdoor Splash pool, W XYZsm bar, Re:charge 24-hour gym, private parking and approximately 2,230 square feet of flexible meeting space for both business meetings and social gatherings.
“Since the rebirth of the American Tobacco Campus almost ten years ago, we have envisioned a complete experience with a full array of services and attractions,” said Michael Goodmon, Vice President of Real Estate for Capitol Broadcasting Company, which owns American Tobacco. “While the vision to develop a one-of-a-kind destination has always been there, we’ve spent countless hours looking for the right plans and partners. By partnering with globally acclaimed Starwood Hotels & Resorts and respected regional powerhouse Davidson & Jones, we’re ready to create an environment worthy of dynamic Durham and the Triangle.”
“We are proud to expand our partnership with Davidson & Jones to debut our popular Aloft brand in Durham, where the American Tobacco Historic District has emerged as a national model for the redevelopment of a bustling urban center,” said Allison Reid, Senior Vice President of North American Development for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. “Aloft Durham Downtown will help meet the pent-up demand for high-caliber lodging generated by the Durham Performing Arts Center, Durham baseball and numerous nearby music festivals.”
“With the Durham Bulls so close to the Aloft, this deal is a home run. As a businessman, it’s a privilege to be part of a team that consists entirely of world-class players. Every aspect of what’s coming has been carefully planned to make this community proud – and that makes it a winner,” said Russ Jones, President of Davidson & Jones.
Pioneering initiatives in music, design and technology have positioned Aloft as a must-have brand for the next generation of travelers. Aloft has reported consistently high guest satisfaction scores since launch, reflecting the success of its modern and vibrant design at an affordable price point.
Photo caption: Durham, North Carolina.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
