Feb. 10–Executives of Cooper Hotels, owner of the Garden Plaza Hotel & Suites (formerly Holiday Inn & Suites) for more than 40 years, today announced the start of a multi-million dollar renovation and rebranding to convert the hotel into a DoubleTree by Hilton.

The refurbished hotel, the DoubleTree by Hilton Decatur Riverfront. will feature complete renovations to the hotel’s 142 guest rooms and 23 suites, and a new restaurant with a full bar and a Starbucks kiosk. With over 10,000 square feet of event space, it is the city’s largest meeting, banquet and event venue.

During the renovation, which is scheduled to be complete by fall 2014, the Garden Plaza Hotel & Suites will continue daily operations.