A new hotel on Monument Circle? Developers want to turn Art Deco tower into a Marriott
Another hotel conversion project is brewing in downtown Indianapolis — this time right on the city's focal Monument Circle.
Holladay Properties, a South Bend developer, plans to spend $40 million to convert 11 floors of the historic Circle Tower at 55 Monument Circle into a 175-room AC by Marriott hotel, according to plans filed with the city's Metropolitan Development Commission.
Developers are planning a rooftop terrace on the 11th floor, offering views of the city's skyline and Monument Circle. The first three floors of the tower, which has ground floor tenants such as Command Coffee and the Rocket Fizz candy store, would be left alone.
Built in 1930, the Circle Tower is one of the few Art Deco buildings remaining in Indianapolis. Egyptian motifs adorn the building as a nod to the country's obsession with Egyptian history and culture in the 1920s. Holladay said in records that the company would preserve the architectural history of the building.
Holladay is seeking a 10-year tax abatement from the city for the project. As part of the economic incentive package, Holladay would donate $50,000 to the Monument Circle Public Space Activation Initiative annually.
With high interest rates, expensive materials and low office vacancy rates, conversion projects are picking up momentum to bring new life to dense city centers. Down the street, Holladay is converting the office tower at 130 E. Washington St. into 180 apartment units.
A Holladay Properties vice president did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday afternoon.
Downtown Indianapolis is experiencing a boom in hotel construction that will likely not slow down as the city's tourism industry continues to hit new records.
Nearby, The InterContinental opened in the historic Illinois Building, located steps off the circle with 11th-floor terrace views, earlier this year. An Aloft Hotel recently opened at 136 E. Market St.
The Circle Tower project would be one of a handful of downtown hotel projects expected to come online in the next few years. Others include:
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New research finds that 70% of LGBTQ+ travellers say feeling they can be their true authentic self is a key factor when booking a . While 78% of those questioned say seeing increased inclusivity of the travel industry has made them feel more comfortable traveling. The study commissioned by and released to coincide with was independently conducted using a sample of 11,469 LGBTQ+ travellers from 27 countries and territories. The company launched its Travel Proud program back in 2021, which provides free inclusive hospitality training for accommodations to help them gain a better understanding of the specific challenges faced by LGBTQ+ travellers, as well as what can be done to make every guest feel more welcome. In only four years, has added more than 100,000 properties to their Travel Proud programme across more than 150 countries and territories and in 16,000 cities and destinations. 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Wander The Lanes for vintage treasure hunts, ride high above the beach on the i360 tower, catch an exhibition at the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery or take this LGBTQ+ History Tour and learn more about the evolution of Brighton Pride. And it's Pride that transforms the city every August with a sea of colour, music and unabashed celebrations. Brighton has never shied away from making noise and it's all the more fun for that. Where to stay: With its central location, Q Square by Supercity Aparthotels gives visitors easy access to Brighton Pier, the Royal Pavilion and Brighton Railway Station. Equipped with a fitness centre, this aparthotel also offers an outdoor seating area for guests to enjoy the beachside breeze and a drink in the sunshine. For those looking to explore the city on two wheels, bicycle parking is provided. 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