HUNTSVILLE, ALA. — RCP Companies, an Alabama-based real estate firm, announces the first tenant for CityCentre at Big Spring, a highly anticipated $100 million, mixed-use development in Huntsville’s rejuvenated urban core. In partnership with Yedla Management Company, Marriott is set to bring its European-inspired, hospitality brand AC Hotel to only the 10th market in the United States. Huntsville joins the ranks of other cities including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Miami Beach and Washington, DC as home to this modern, 150-room boutique hotel concept. Construction is slated to begin this summer.
“CityCentre will showcase cutting edge, high-tech living in a comfortable, low-tech atmosphere with retail, food and outdoor amenities,” explains Max Grelier, chief development officer, RCP Companies. "The hotel is functional yet architecturally unique, fitting with our commitment to create new experiences for Huntsville. We expect the hotel is only the first in a long line of respected, national brands that will soon call CityCentre home.” AC Hotel offers a sleek, modern experience designed for the savvy business traveler, which aligns with CityCentre’s eclectic-yet-authentic blend of live, work, play, shop amenities.
Grelier also adds that AC Hotel develops custom facilities with contemporary amenities at a smart value, meaning guests only pay for the services and amenities that they need. Typically, AC Hotel features modern rooms, an AC lounge area, kitchen with self-serve European fare, complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the property, mobile check-in and check-out and a 24-hour fitness center. AC Hotels was founded by world-renowned Spanish hotelier Antonio Catalan.
Srinath Yedla, CEO, Yedla Management Company, confirms, “This custom-designed AC Hotel will embody the unique look and vibe of the city."
Located on Williams Avenue between Monroe Street and Lowe Avenue, CityCentre at Big Spring is slated to include almost 50,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space and more than 270 upscale apartment homes. In addition to the AC Hotel, Alabama-based Yedla Hotel Management (yedlahotels.com) plans to bring another hotel concept yet to be named. Kim Dart and Shannon Martin are the exclusive retail leasing agents for the mixed-use development.
“CityCentre fills a void of services and entertainment options that are underserved for the daytime population and workforce, as well as the abundant patrons of Von Braun Civic Center and Big Spring Park, have been seeking,” states Grelier. Huntsville accounts for 24% of Alabama’s 10-year population growth. Its total workforce tops 750,000 with Huntsville Hospital anchoring downtown as its largest employer. Located one mile from CityCentre, Huntsville Hospital Health System is the second largest hospital in the state and fifth in the nation. Nearby Cummings Research Park and Redstone Arsenal combine for a total of 24 million square feet of occupied office space that services approximately 65,000 people. Almost one-quarter of the residents residing within a three-mile radius share an average household income of more than $75,000.
