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New 600-room hotel to open at former Joe Louis Arena site in Detroit

Hotel is second development on former arena grounds

Sterling Group and the Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority announce that the hotel at Water Square will be the “JW Marriott Detroit Water Square” (Sterling Group)

A new 600-room hotel is set to open at the former site of Joe Louis Arena on the Detroit River in 2027.

Construction began in April for a new JW Marriott hotel that will stretch 25 stories. The hotel will be connected to the Huntington Place Convention Center via a skybridge.

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Detroit-based developer Sterling Group and the Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority (DRCFA) announced the news on Wednesday.

“This connected hotel will change the hospitality landscape in the City of Detroit and allow for Huntington Place to attract more and larger conventions. It will be a significant economic benefit to the City and the region,” said Danny Samson, Chief Development Officer of Sterling Group.

The Detroit Red Wings left the Joe Louis Arena in 2017 and the property was demolished in 2021. In February of 2022 construction began on the Residences at Water Square and the Grand Opening was in February of 2024.

The JW Marriott will be the second development at Water Square, with a park also planned between The Residences and the hotel. The park will be open to the public and feature a variety of plantings, hardscape features, public art, outdoor lighting, doggy station, seating areas, and river views.

Hotel construction began in early April 2024 and is expected to be completed by early 2027, in time for the Men’s NCAA Final Four tournament in Detroit in March of 2027.

“The recent NFL draft has generated a lot of interest in other large events coming to Detroit. The addition of a 600-room hotel attached to our convention center already will make us much more competitive, and having a luxury brand like JW operating the hotel takes things to a whole new level. Visitors staying there will enjoy world class services and amenities, along with spectacular views of downtown and direct access to our nationally recognized riverfront.” said Mayor Mike Duggan.


About the Author
Ken Haddad headshot

Ken Haddad has proudly been with WDIV/ClickOnDetroit since 2013. He also authors the Morning Report Newsletter and various other newsletters, and helps lead the WDIV Insider team. He's a big sports fan and is constantly sipping Lions Kool-Aid.

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