Courtyard Inn Booked for Downtown
Mayor Don Plusquellic today welcomed an announcement by the Testa Companies that they will construct a $16-million, 
10-story, 120-room, Marriott Courtyard Inn in Downtown Akron.
“Five years ago, Paul and Joel Testa constructed the first new housing downtown in 20 years,” said the mayor. “This is the important final phase of their Northside development, and it will fill an important need for the city.”
Downtown has not had a nationally-branded or “flagged” hotel since the purchase of the Crowne Plaza Hotel by the University of Akron and the conversion of the downtown Radisson to the City Centre Hotel.
“As we build out the Biomedical Corridor,” said the mayor, “and the Austen BioInnovation Institute attracts more traveling guests to downtown, this project will offer a first-class alternative for visitors.”
Testa Companies will be the developer and general contractor for the Northside Marriott Courtyard on Furnace Street that will be operated and managed by New Castle Hotels & Resorts.
Joel Testa, chief operating officer of Testa Companies, estimated that groundbreaking could occur by this winter, with completion possible before spring, 2012.
“Northside Lofts development has been one of my dream projects,” said Joel Testa. “Unfortunately, we brought the first phase of this development online just when the real estate marked started its sharp decline. Despite that, we have sold 75 percent of the lofts without slashing prices.”
Testa explained that by being a local developer, the company was able to quickly adapt, and put its second high rise loft building “on hold,” and jump to phase three - the brownstone townhomes on Howard Street, which have been completed.
“A new, modern hotel is crucial to downtown’s continued economic development,” said Testa. “With a perfect site already under control and ready for construction, we investigated numerous brands to find the right fit with the diversity and sophistication of Northside Lofts. Marriott Courtyard will fit perfectly.”
Amenities to be offered at the Northside Marriott Courtyard include a bistro, a market that will offer fresh salads, sandwiches, beer, wine and basic grocery items for guests and the local community alike, a fitness center, pool and spa that will offer memberships that can be purchased by local residents as well.
A new concept for the hotel is a digital high definition theater with stadium seating for 18, complete with leather reclining seats. Movies will be shown for hotel guests, and local businesses can rent the theater for private showings, sporting events and presentations.
The architect for the project is City Architecture, Inc.
