LaPour and Holualoa Break Ground on Dual-Branded Hotel in Phoenix

Exciting New Dual-Branded Marriott Hotel in Phoenix's City North

LaPour Partners and Holualoa Companies have recently announced the groundbreaking of an innovative dual-branded hotel, AC/Element City North, set to open in June 2025. Positioned within the thriving CityNorth development adjacent to Desert Ridge Marketplace in North Phoenix, this hotel signifies an investment of $92 million aimed at bolstering the local hospitality landscape.

The new facility will feature two distinctive Marriott brands under one roof: the AC Hotel by Marriott and Element by Westin. This 240-room hotel will comprise 142 AC rooms and 98 Element suites, along with a wide range of amenities tailored for both leisure and corporate travelers. It aims to address the burgeoning demand for quality accommodation in the rapidly evolving Loop 101 corridor, which hosts significant regional projects including corporate headquarters for Republic Services and Sprouts Farmers Market, as well as the expanding Mayo Clinic and ASU Biomedical Campus.

The hotel is designed with guest comfort and needs in mind, offering a remarkable 5,700 square feet of flexible meeting space that seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor settings, ideal for business gatherings and social events. In addition, guests can enjoy a saline pool, a well-designed AC Lounge, an Element Rise breakfast experience, outdoor fireplaces, and convenient amenities such as a sundry market, guest laundry, and EV charging stations. Sustainability is a key consideration; the hotel design will meet GreenKey Certification standards, reflecting a commitment to environmentally responsible operations.

Jeff LaPour, Founder and CEO of LaPour, expressed pride at the significance of this milestone. He noted, "This groundbreaking marks a major moment—not just for our team and our partners—but for the evolution of Desert Ridge and City North. The unique brand pairing along with its proximity to major employers positions this hotel to be an indispensable part of the city's hospitality offerings."

The collaborative efforts between LaPour and Holualoa are not new; this venture follows their successful development of the award-winning AC Marriott Biltmore, which earned the accolade of Marriott Hotel of the Year in 2022. Aroon Chinai, Chief Investment Officer at Holualoa Companies, echoed this excitement, stating, "We are thrilled to partner with LaPour on another exceptional project that reflects our shared commitment to creating distinctive hospitality properties. This dual-branded hotel will elevate Desert Ridge's walkability and provide a destination experience for visitors to the area."

The City North master plan is an impressive $2 billion vision that entails over 2 million square feet of office space, 3,400 multifamily residential units, and 1,000 hotel rooms complemented by plentiful retail and dining options. City North is strategically located within walking distance of the High Street and the Desert Ridge Marketplace, with direct access to Loop 101. This combination is transforming it into one of the most sought-after destinations in the Valley.

With Whiting-Turner serving as the general contractor, Studio 11 in charge of interior design, and RSP Architects leading the architectural design, this project explores contemporary designs that promise to enhance the travel experience for guests by integrating modern amenities with sustainable practices. The AC/Element City North hotel is not only a testament to the growth of the Phoenix hospitality sector but also an invitation to business and leisure travelers alike to explore the vibrant and evolving landscape of this area.

In summary, the dual-branded Marriott hotel at City North is poised to become a cornerstone of the North Phoenix hospitality experience, offering a blend of comfort, style, and environmental responsibility. LaPour and Holualoa’s collaborative vision promises to meet the needs of a growing market while contributing to the community's revitalization.