John Gallagher

Detroit Free Press

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide said Monday that its Element Hotels brand will open a 110-room hotel in Detroit's long-vacant Metropolitan Building in July 2018.

To be known as the Element Detroit at the Metropolitan Building, the hotel at 33 John R will be owned and developed by Metropolitan Hotel Partners, LLC, a joint venture between Detroit-based Means Group and Roxbury Group.

The Detroit Downtown Development Authority approved the group's plans for the hotel development in summer 2015.

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“We look forward to introducing Element to Detroit with this exciting adaptive re-use project that will retain the historic charm of the Metropolitan Building, while turning it into a sleek and stylish destination for travelers visiting the ‘Motor City,’” said Brian McGuinness, senior vice president of Specialty Select Brands for Starwood. “On track to more than double its global portfolio in the next three years, Element offers travelers bright modern design, an energizing atmosphere, and everything they need for smart, sustainable living.”

The hotel is being designed for extended-stay guests, with bigger closets, a kitchen and extra room for visitors coming in for conventions and other events that require more than a single night's stay. Typical stays range from three to five days.

Once nicknamed the jewelers buildings for the large number of diamond cutters and goldsmiths working there, the 14-story neo-gothic Metropolitan Building was designed by the Detroit firm of Weston and Ellington and opened in 1925.

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The Element adaptive re-use project of the 100,000 square-foot building will feature 2,000 square feet of meeting space on the second floor mezzanine level with attractive views of the city skyline, approximately 7,000 square feet of retail on the ground floor and lower level, and an outdoor patio on the 11th floor rear rooftop.

“The new Element will help meet demand for high-caliber extended stay lodging in downtown Detroit, as well as address the growing demand for business and leisure travel to downtown, particularly given its close proximity to the city’s top entertainment attractions,” said David Di Rita, a partner with the Roxbury Group. “With its historic appeal, smart design and diverse offerings, Element Detroit at the Metropolitan Building will serve an important role in the growth of the city and in our ongoing drive to preserve the City’s architectural gems.”

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Contact John Gallagher: 313-222-5173 or gallagher@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @jgallagherfreep.