Starwood plans to construct Aloft Hotel in downtown Birmingham

Downtown Birmingham is known for its stately-yet-conservative architecture. Historic buildings from the early 20th Century grace just about every corner. What it's not known for is the factories-turned-hip-lofts that give Detroit so much of its gritty urban feel.

Sensing this lack, one developer plans to build something a bit more nouveau urban - the Aloft Hotel. Think of a loft-style W Hotel and you're starting to get the picture of what Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide have in mind.

Starwood plans to build the Aloft at 255 S. Old Woodward Ave. a short distance south of Maple Road. The 115-room hotel is expected to open in the spring of 2011. Developers are touting its location in the center of the ritzy downtown and proximity to things like the Oakland, Oakland Tory and Metro airports.

The new hotel will offer 650 square feet of meeting space, fitness facilities and a rooftop pool covered in glass. Starwood is going after the younger creative class with this urban offering. It will also offer high-tech amenities like Wi-Fi and 42-inch LCD TVs.

Source: Brad Minor, Spokesman for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
Writer: Jon Zemke
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