First AC Hotel by Marriott Finds Tarrant Co. Home
Hotel developer Jackson-Shaw is continually impressed by Fort Worth’s growing economy, pro-business attitude and abundant labor pool, and the hotel will provide a hospitality experience entirely new to the city.
FORT WORTH—When the 252-room 16-story AC Hotel Fort Worth opens downtown in the fall of 2020, it will be the first AC Hotel by Marriott in Tarrant County, offering travelers both an elevated design approach and intuitive guest experience. The hotel will be located on the southwest corner of Fifth and Main streets, adjacent to the historical art deco Kress Building, and minutes from restaurants, entertainment, shopping and nightlife options.
North Texas-based Jackson-Shaw recently began construction on the project. Jackson-Shaw has completed 60 million square feet of hospitality, industrial and residential developments since its founding in 1972.
“Jackson-Shaw has been in Fort Worth for a long time, and we continue to be impressed by its vibrant and growing economy, pro-business attitude and abundant labor pool,” Michele Wheeler, Jackson-Shaw president and chief operating officer, tells GlobeSt.com. “After discussions with the Fort Worth Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the support of mayor Betsy Price, we feel very confident that developing the AC Hotel Fort Worth–the first in Tarrant County–is a win-win for everyone.”
AC Hotel Fort Worth will provide a hospitality experience entirely new to the city. The hotel will include guest rooms and public spaces designed with curated art installations and technology elements as well as rooftop meeting space.
“Jackson-Shaw’s AC Hotel Fort Worth will be a great addition to our incredible downtown,” said Price. “As a community that celebrates our rich arts and culture scene, we are excited for the unique experience AC Hotel will provide visitors.”
Another focal point of the hotel will be the AC Lounge, a communal space that features a full bar serving local beers and hand-crafted cocktails, along with tapas plates. The property will provide a European-style breakfast and 24-hour wellness center as well as the added amenity of a third-party leased full-service restaurant on the first floor.
“We are thrilled to be working with Jackson-Shaw to open the first AC Hotels by Marriott in Tarrant County, Texas,” said Eric Jacobs, Marriott International, chief development officer, select and extended stay brands. “When it opens, this hotel is sure to become a stylish hub for business and leisure travelers alike.”
Development partners for the AC Hotel Fort Worth include Simmons Bank (financing), Merriman Anderson/Architects (design), Austin Commercial (general contractor) and Epperson Company (project management).
“We believe the hotel’s classic modern design, with its European soul and Spanish roots, will strongly complement the distinctive legacy and stylish sensibilities of downtown Fort Worth,” says Wheeler. “Our company has deep roots in Tarrant County, including our Parc North urban industrial development and Chisholm Springs residential development.”
Dallas currently has 7,454 rooms under construction, representing 5% of the national pipeline, according to a recent construction report by JLL.