By Karen Robes Meeks
The Port of Vancouver USA and hotel development Vesta Hospitality broke ground on a new seven-story, 150-room AC Hotel by Marriott at Terminal 1 Thursday.
Once completed in mid-2021, the hotel will be the first project to open at Terminal 1. Plans for the area include commercial space, public art, outdoor spaces to gather, pedestrian trails and a public marketplace along the waterfront.
“We are so pleased to have the AC Hotel by Marriott as the first project underway at Terminal 1,” said Port CEO Julianna Marler. “This project is a key component to making Terminal 1 a vibrant gathering place for our community and a premier destination for the region.”
In the last two years, Washington state contributed $6 million toward the project’s ground stabilization work and construction activities. The money will go toward improving parts of Daniels Way, the Renaissance Trail near Terminal 1, the East Portal stormwater facility and Vancouver Landing.
“This is a true public-private partnership, and with today’s groundbreaking, we are getting Terminal 1 off to a strong start,” said Washington State Sen. Annette Cleveland. “This is my community; I grew up here, I live here and I’m excited to see the positive economic impact this project will bring. I congratulate Vesta Hospitality and the port on getting to this milestone, and I look forward to seeing this hotel welcome visitors to beautiful Vancouver.”
