Master-planned Jacksonville development to include new AC by Marriott

The partners behind The District Jacksonville —Life Well Lived (The District), a 30-acre master-planned development on the St. Johns River in Jacksonville, Fla., announced that Impact Properties, its hotel partner, will develop an AC Hotel by Marriott at The District. The first AC Hotel by Marriott in the greater Jacksonville area, the hotel will be approximately 70,000 square feet with up to 200 guestrooms, and will include a variety of public spaces including a lounge, a restaurant, a fitness center, a retail outlet and work spaces.

“The ethos of the AC Hotels by Marriott brand aligns perfectly with our vision for The District,” Peter Rummell, developer of The District project, said in a statement. Rummell is developing the project along with partner Michael Munz. “The modern, edgy yet relaxing and inviting atmosphere of AC Hotels by Marriott compliments the health-focused live-work-play environment we are creating. The District’s location also provides guests some of the best views of the St. Johns River and downtown Jacksonville, further showcasing one of our city’s best attributes.”

Impact Properties, a Tampa-based full-service investment, operating and development company, will develop, own and manage the new AC Hotel by Marriott at The District. Impact has been an operator of national franchise brands in the hotel, restaurant and retail industries for the past 30 years and currently owns 57 locations across the Southeast, with an additional 16 locations under development. The hotel, which will occupy site 7A in The District’s master plan, is currently in the design phase.

“We are delighted to bring this design-driven lifestyle brand to The District,” Kish Kanji, EVP of Impact Properties, said in a statement. “Partnering with Marriott on this project will enable us to deliver a truly unique guest experience for visitors and residents of downtown Jacksonville alike. The AC brand provides for European inspired guestrooms, a signature lobby lounge that will feature tapas, local craft beer and cocktails, all of which will be served on the scenic banks of the St. Johns River. As part of a greater urban revitalization, it’s a perfect fit.”

The new Jacksonville hotel’s location within The District will include a variety of options for entertainment and shopping, such as restaurants and bars, a marina and active riverfront access, a 4-acre public park connected to the expanding Riverwalk and a grocery store among up to 280,000 square feet of commercial and retail space.

AC Hotels by Marriott has unique public areas designed for each space, though all AC Hotels include the following areas: AC Lounge, the signature food and beverage lounge for guests to enjoy specialty drinks and menu items; AC Kitchen, a European-inspired small-plate breakfast outlet offering fresh products and juices; AC Library, a work and reading area with technology connections; AC Fitness, a 24-hour fitness center with personal viewing screens on cardio equipment; and the AC Store, a sleek retail outlet allowing guests to purchase snacks and treats.

The terms of the deal between The District and Impact Properties were not disclosed. Horizontal work on the site is expected to start during the first quarter of 2018 and the hotel construction is being planned based on the site work completion schedule, which will be a phased approach starting on the western edge of the site and working its way east.