$22 million Aloft hotel announced for site adjacent to KFC Yum! Center in Louisville

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (November 6, 2013) – Steve Poe, along with Mayor Greg Fischer, today announced the development of a new Aloft hotel in the heart of downtown Louisville – at the corner of 1^st and Main Streets, across from historic Whiskey Row and adjacent to the KFC Yum! Center arena. The property will be developed by the Poe Companies with REI Real Estate Services, and managed by White Lodging. The $22 million, eight story boutique hotel will feature an urban design aesthetic with 175 stylish guest rooms and suites, 2,800 s.f. of meeting space, and a lively social atmosphere.

“Aloft’s upscale, hip, urban style fits perfectly in the east Main/east Market area,” Poe said.“Our group believes it’s the perfect site, next to the new arena and all the great restaurants and bars along Main & Market. Obviously the investment by government in the Yum! Center and the east Main/east Market corridor had a significant impact on our decision to develop here. We’re excited to be the first Starwood branded hotel in downtown Louisville.”

Poe is a veteran in the Louisville hotel scene – with the addition of these 175 rooms, his development group will have built 1,600 hotel rooms in eight hotels in Louisville over the past 8 years. Construction is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2014, to be completed within one year – in time for 2015’s Kentucky Derby.

“I’m excited to have this hotel built right in the heart of Louisville’s downtown, with the restaurants and bars of the entertainment district,” said Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer. “The arts and theater, our convention center, historic Whiskey Row, the KFC Yum! Center and the coming bourbon attractions along Main Street will all be steps away from this hip, stylish new hotel.”

Conveniently situated with easy access to I-64, I-71 and I-65, the Aloft will be less than 15 minutes from Louisville International Airport (SDF), and just steps from local healthcare and technology companies, medical research and development, convention and meeting facilities, bars and restaurants. In addition, the hotel will be Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified for energy efficiency.

Expect the new Aloft to become a local hotspot, as the hotel’s street-level “W XYZ bar” will open onto Main Street with floor-to-ceiling retractable windows, attracting both savvy travelers and area professionals along the popular arena bar district.

Pioneering initiatives in music, design and technology have positioned aloft hotels as a must-have brand for the next generation of travelers. Aloft has reported consistently high guest satisfaction scores since launch, reflecting the success of its modern and vibrant design at an affordable price point.  Aloft is a member of  the Starwood family of hotels. Chip Ohlsson, Starwood’s VP of Development for North America is in Louisville for today’s announcement.