A unique project that is reviving one of downtown Dallas’ last remaining vacant buildings — conversion of the 21-floor Mercantile Commerce Building into two separate upscale brands — is progressing toward an opening in March of 2017 with developer NewcrestImage naming two senior executives for the property.
Kellie Adams, a 20-year hospitality veteran, becomes General Manager and Monica Weagel, with more than 12 years of hospitality experience, becomes Director of Sales. Ms. Adams has been recognized with numerous industry awards for outstanding performance in operations, sales, and customer service.
The Mercantile Commerce Building, originally opened in 1956 and vacant for the past 25 years, began undergoing renovations in April of 2015 that will create a 128-room AC Hotel by Marriott and a 121-room Residence Inn by Marriott. Both hotels will be customized in design, furnishings, and amenities, becoming prototypes for their respective brands.
“Our transformation of this building at 1712 Commerce Street into a sleek and sophisticated urban destination will add dramatic momentum to refreshing and revitalizing downtown Dallas,” explains Mehul Patel, Chairman and CEO of NewcrestImage.
The company, based in the Dallas suburb of Lewisville, is currently completing revival of the 18-floor former Allen Building which was originally built in 1923 and is scheduled to open within 45 days as a 176-room Hampton Inn & Suites. That building is located at 1700 Commerce Street, immediately adjacent to the new project.
The Mercantile Commerce Building project will feature the AC Hotel lobby and lounge on the ground floor, with guest rooms on floors 3 through 11. The Residence Inn lobby will be on the second floor, with guest rooms on floors 12 through 21. The building will also offer a fitness center and a fine dining restaurant.
NewcrestImage is scheduled to build a 10-floor parking garage behind the Allen and Mercantile buildings, which will feature an indoor pool on the ground floor to conveniently serve the company’s three adjacent hotels.
“There is great challenge — and even greater satisfaction — in offering new hotels in historic buildings,” adds Mr. Patel. “It requires us to carefully fashion a clean, modern look that simultaneously pays homage to the site’s vintage legacy.”
NewcrestImage has won industry awards and acclaim for its reinterpretation of historic locations such as the New Orleans Cotton Exchange building into a 220-room AC Hotel and the 1927-era Fisk Building in downtown Amarillo into a 107-room Courtyard by Marriott.
The company currently owns and operates 18 properties, with another 12 hotels under construction or in development.
