Construction is underway at the EpiCentre hotel

Here’s a refresher on the details:

• 22-story tower (320 feet) built on the existing exposed concrete structure (above Gold’s Gym & Skyview Dentistry)
• 300 rooms (184 AC Hotels, 116 Residence Inn)
• 2,400 square feet of meeting space
• AC Library (business center)
• AC Salon (beauty salon and spa)
• AC Kitchen (restaurant)
• Rooftop bar with indoor and outdoor component
• Restaurant and AC Lounge on the fifth floor
• Retail space on Trade Street
• Estimated completion is Q4 2017

Let me reiterate how great this project is, because I know many of you are thinking it’s just another hotel.

As evidenced by the images, not only is there going to be a lounge on the fifth floor, but there will be a ROOFTOP BAR. I will repeat that… A 22 floor rooftop bar in the heart of Uptown. The fifth floor AC Lounge will offer wine, craft beer, cocktails and small plates served from a 30-foot bar.

The vibe is definitely swanky, and it feels like much more than just a hotel bar. One of my favorite aspects of this project is that they understand that locals aren’t really going to be using the hotel, so they’ve created functional components for both hotel guests and locals (bonus: free WiFi).

One of the best parts about the AC Lounge and Rooftop Bar? No cover! (Rare in the EpiCentre.) And that is just the drinking component.

I spoke with John McKibbon of the McKibbon Hotel Group and he really seemed to understand how important (and awesome) this rooftop bar is going to be. He told me about the fire pits, the panoramic views, and the indoor/outdoor component, and he also shared my sentiment that this will easily become of the most popular places in town.

To add some context, think about Rooftop 210, with an indoor bar area but a massive terrace. Now dress it up with designer décor and and put it 320 feet in the air. Incredible, right?

From a pedestrian point of view, this project is making improvements to the ground level of the EpiCentre by adding a retail space as well as public plaza space along Trade Street. This will without a doubt improve the walkability of this area that connects the light rail and the street car.

Additional Details

• McKibbon Hotel Group is developing with Vision Ventures
• Cleveland Construction is the construction manager

All photos courtesy of McKibbon Hotel Group and Vision Ventures