Cortex Innovation Community Celebrate Aloft Hotel Groundbreaking
The innovation district has long planned a hotel and entertainment space along side its labs, co-working and restaurants.
The new 129 room hotel at Cortex is scheduled to open Fall 2019. The Aloft brand is designed to appeal to the next generation traveler, offering a tech-forward hotel environment, sleek, understated guest rooms, and vibrant shared spaces and amenities that enhance social engagement.
The Cortex Aloft will have its signature WXYZ entertainment bar on the second floor, featuring a glass wall that opens to a balcony overlooking the Cortex Commons. Live@Aloft will feature live, acoustic performances from local artists, providing opportunities for relaxed business meetings or rendezvous with friends. A freestanding restaurant on Duncan Avenue will provide hotel guests and Cortex clients a new convenient dining venue.
Total development costs for the Cortex Aloft Hotel are approximately $28 million. The hotel’s architect is Gray Design Group, and MC Hotel Construction will build the facility. MC is a subsidiary of Midas Hospitality.
Linda Martinez, Deputy Mayor for Development, Otis Williams, Executive Director of the St. Louis Development Corporation, Kitty Ratcliffe, CEO of Explore St. Louis, Hank Webber, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Cortex, Steven Roberts, State Representative – 77 District, Joe Roddy, Alderman 17th Ward, and David Robert, CEO of Midas Hospitality, the project’s developer were out this week to celebrate the groundbreaking ceremony of the new Aloft Hotel by Marriott at 4245 Duncan Avenue in the Cortex Innovation Community.
Aloft groundbreaking. Cortex begins phase 3 expansion plan. @CortexSTL @MIDASHOTELS pic.twitter.com/Cgr4BsN9is
— EQ (@eqstl) July 25, 2018
Dennis Lower, President & CEO of Cortex, said, “For several years our Cortex clients have urged us to develop a hotel in the District. We can now check this off the wish-list of amenities that support the business needs of our tech companies. The Cortex Aloft will be a vibrant lodging and meet-up destination that adds to our goal of becoming a 24/7 business, residential and retail district in St. Louis’ higher education and medical corridor.”
David Robert, CEO and Managing Member of Midas Hospitality, added, “Midas is thrilled to be selected as the District, hotel developer. The Aloft hotel brand is a perfect complement to the continued development of the Cortex Innovation Community. It is a purpose-driven design that reflects and appeals to the values of a new generation of business traveler. It offers a ‘stay like a local’ lodging experience.”