Detroit-based developer Sterling Group and the Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority announced that the hotel that has been under construction in Detroit at the site of the former Joe Louis Arena will open under the JW Marriott brand.
Hotel construction began in early April 2024 and is expected to be completed by early 2027, in time for the Men’s NCAA Final Four tournament in March 2027.
The 600-room hotel will significantly increase Detroit’s hotel room availability, significantly boosting the city and state’s appeal for large conventions and other major events, according the DRCFA.
"This connected hotel will change the hospitality landscape in the City of Detroit and allow for Huntington Place to attract more and larger conventions," Danny Samson, chief development officer of Sterling Group, said in a statement. "It will be a significant economic benefit to the city and the region."
Given JW Marriott Detroit Water Square’s scale, caliber and connection to Huntington Place, it is expected that the property will serve as an economic catalyst and generate over $100 million in new spending annually. Further, it will help to elevate Huntington Place to the connected, convention-style hotels present in Chicago, Minneapolis, Columbus, Indianapolis, Cleveland, and other cities.
"The significant investment made by Sterling Group will create the first hotel connected to our convention center in the city’s history," said Claude Molinari, chairperson of the DRCFA. "This waterfront development reflects the accelerating strength of Detroit to attract premier meetings and conventions. A connected hotel is a critical component that will allow Huntington Place and the City of Detroit to be a competitive force to attract such events going forward.”
"Marriott International is excited to collaborate with Sterling Group to open and manage the JW Marriott Detroit Water Square," said Paul Loehr, senior vice president, full services brand West Region, Marriott International. “Combining a highly sought-after meeting location for events and businesses with the JW Marriott brand’s iconic legacy of luxury and service, we are confident that the property will unlock new and exciting opportunities for the city of Detroit,” Loehr said.
"The recent NFL draft has generated a lot of interest in other large events coming to Detroit," Mayor Mike Duggan said. "The addition of a 600-room hotel attached to our convention center already will make us much more competitive, and having a luxury brand like JW operating the hotel takes things to a whole new level. Visitors staying there will enjoy world-class services and amenities, along with spectacular views of downtown and direct access to our nationally recognized riverfront.”
The Detroit Red Wings left the Joe Louis Arena in 2017 and the property was demolished in 2021. In February of 2022 construction began on the Residences at Water Square and the grand opening was last February.
The JW Marriott will be the second development at Water Square, with a park also planned between The Residences and the hotel. The park will be open to the public and feature a variety of plantings, hardscape features, public art, outdoor lighting, a doggy station, seating areas and river views.