The unfinished lobby of the future 10-story AC Hotel by Marriott in downtown Spartanburg was packed with civic leaders, developers, community members and construction crews to celebrate the hotel’s topping out ceremony Monday.
Attendees got a look at renderings of the hotel’s luxurious interior and a peek at the second and third floors while on guided tours.
Construction began in October on the 114-room hotel, a $20 million joint venture between businessman George Dean Johnson Jr. and OTO Development.
The foundation was completed this spring for the hotel, which is expected to open in September 2017 at the intersection of West Main Street and South Daniel Morgan Avenue.
Corry Oakes, chief executive officer of OTO Development, called the hotel a “work of art” and praised the contractors and construction teams for their dedication in creating something that future generations will talk about.
The hotel will be another place in Spartanburg where people can not only spend a night, but gather to work, catch up with friends or grab a drink, he said.
“This building will stand the test of time,” Oakes said. “There is special significance to an event like (the topping out) because it’s reached a milestone in the progress of the job.”