LaPour Partners and Holualoa Companies have broken ground on a $92 million dual-branded hotel project in the CityNorth, a mixed-use development adjacent to Desert Ridge Marketplace in North Phoenix, Ariz. The project team includes Whiting-Turner as general contractor, Studio 11 for interior design and RSP Architects leading architectural design. LaPour and Holualoa purchased the site from Crown, the master developer.
Located near the new Sprouts Headquarters, this eight-story hotel will bring together two Marriott-branded hotels under one roof. The AC Hotel by Marriott and Element by Westin will have 142 rooms and 98 suites, respectively.
"This groundbreaking marks a major milestone—not just for our team and our partners—but for the evolution of Desert Ridge and City North," Jeff LaPour, founder and CEO of LaPour, said in a statement. "We are creating a truly mixed-use, hospitality experience that reflects the vibrancy, growth and innovation happening in this part of Phoenix. With its unique brand pairing, proximity to major employers and institutions and walkable to the High Street restaurants and entertainment, this hotel is designed to meet the city's next-generation travel demand."
The hotel will be in the center of the City North master plan, a $2 billion project that includes more than 2 million square feet of office space, 3,400 multifamily units, 1,000 hotel rooms and retail and dining options.
"This property will meet the current and future demands of the rapidly growing Loop 101 business corridor. The area is experiencing unprecedented growth," added LaPour.
Amenities will include 5,700 square feet of indoor-outdoor meeting space, a saline pool, AC Lounge, outdoor fireplaces, suites with balconies, a sundry market, guest laundry and EV charging stations. Sustainable design features will align with GreenKey Certification standards.
The project represents the second partnership between LaPour and Holualoa, following the development of the AC Marriott Biltmore in 2018.