Sept. 13–Marriott International has approved the Laura Street Trio to be a 131-room Courtyard by Marriott hotel. Steve Atkins, who leads the group that bought the historic downtown buildings, said in August that the final approval by Marriott was close.
Friday afternoon, he got the letter of approval.
Atkins said he’s still working with the city on an incentive package. But once and if that’s OK’d, which he expects in a few weeks, construction should start in the first quarter of 2014.
There will be 12 months of historic preservation and then another 16-18 months of new construction.
The cost is estimated at $40 million.
Atkins said the project will also include two restaurants and a rooftop bar. He said he plans to announce one of the restaurant sin the next week or two.
Southeast Development Group bought the buildings known as the Laura Street Trio — Marble Bank, Bisbee Building and Florida Life Building — along with the Barnett Bank in March for $3 million.
The Trio will become the restaurants and hotel, Atkins said. He has not yet revealed plans for the Barnett Bank.
Roger Bull: (904) 359-4296
