Historic facades will remain as 160-room AC Hotel is built

A Columbus developer is going to unusual lengths to preserve a historic streetscape as it builds a modern hotel across the street from Downtown's North Market.

Continental Real Estate Cos. has preserved a row of brick buildings along Park Street that will be renovated as part of the $40 million AC by Marriott project. Expected to open in early 2021, the hotel will be the second AC in central Ohio; one was built as part of the Bridge Park development in Dublin.

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The Downtown hotel will include 160 rooms on eight floors. The brand combines a sleek, modern look with local touches; the one in Dublin features photographs by local artists and locally made products in its gift shop.

From the hotel, it will be a short walk to the Greater Columbus Convention Center and Nationwide Arena, and it is expected to attract a mix of business and leisure travelers, according to developer David Kass of Continental.

mrose@dispatch.com

@MarlaMRose