Kessler Collection / JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District Takes Top Honors at Americas Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS)

Pictured left to right: Fravy Collazo, Richard Kessler, Noah Silverman (Marriott) and Mark Kessler. Photo Courtesy Marriott International

The Americas Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS) announced its finalists for the prestigious ALIS Awards. Among these finalists were hotels, companies, and executives who are responsible for the most influential hotel industry deals in 2020.

The winners were announced on Wednesday, July 28th, at ALIS during the Money Morning plenary session at the JW Marriott/Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles L.A. LIVE. Nominees for the awards were evaluated based on outstanding business performance in various industry categories.

In the category of Development of the Year (Full Service) 2020 (includes branded and unbranded – luxury and upper-upscale chain scales, and casinos), the finalists were:
· JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District – Savannah, GA
· Montage Healdsburg – Healdsburg, CA
· One&Only Mandarina – Riviera Nayarit, Mexico

“To understand the impact of this hotel, it helps to take a step back to put it in context in its historic location. The Plant Riverside District is the perfect example of the power of urban transformation. This project started with a vision – that a decommissioned 1912 power plant could electrify a city once again,” said Anthony Capuano, Chief Executive Officer at Marriott International in a congratulatory LinkedIn post on July 28th.

“Every aspect of the Plant Riverside District project from acquisition of the historic power plant to the redevelopment planning, architecture and design work has been faithful to one goal: revitalizing Savannah’s riverfront. Plant Riverside District has done just that – four and a half acres and 600,000 square feet of indoor space has become the foundation of a dynamic mixed-use development that also, importantly, opened up a section of West River Street that had been closed to the public for over 100 years.

Marriott International is proud to have been a part of this urban transformation and to have partnered with The Kessler Collection to bring a luxury JW Marriott hotel to this development. This hotel is a tremendous representation of the JW brand, marrying the sophistication and mindfulness the brand is known for with its historic surroundings and providing guests with three unique accommodation experiences to choose from.

Visitors to this area are discovering the wonderful historic architecture and accents that the developers wisely embraced, as well as the vibrancy of rooftop dining, art galleries, music venues and more. The Plant Riverside District is powering Savannah’s historic riverfront – making this area a culinary, recreational and event destination that will bring more people, more economic activity and more cultural events to the Hostess City.

The Plant Riverside district reminds us that there can be restoration, revitalization and beauty in progress. A special congratulations to Richard Kessler – you have long been a personal friend and a great partner to Marriott. We are proud of your vision and excited to see this well-deserved recognition for you and the team.”

This award comes on the heels of Plant Riverside District being recently honored by the Congress for the New Urbanism, the Urban Land Institute and Historic Savannah Foundation for excellence in urban design and historic preservation.

“Seeing Plant Riverside District come to life after many years of hard work has been incredibly rewarding, but receiving recognition from these prestigious global, national and local organizations truly an honor,” said Richard C. Kessler, Chairman and CEO of The Kessler Collection. “I’m delighted that Plant Riverside District is being recognized for transforming an abandoned power plant along the riverfront into Savannah’s premier Entertainment District.”

ABOUT PLANT RIVERSIDE DISTRICT:

Plant Riverside District, located at 400 W. River Street, is a vibrant entertainment destination and Savannah’s Entertainment District. From incredible dining and high-end shopping to live music and spectacular performances, Plant Riverside District creates elegantly curated experiences, stripping away the unnecessary to reveal the exceptional. Once an iconic power plant in Georgia, Plant Riverside District now represents the beauty of progress. Whether seeking a romantic getaway or a work hard/play hard business trip, Plant Riverside District provides a setting suited to your needs, blending timeless sophistication with eye-catching details. Experience three unique buildings for a customized atmosphere to match your style: bold, contemporary maritime details in the Atlantic; romantic, elegant styling in the Three Muses; and chic historic architecture in the Power Plant. Complete your experience with numerous dining options, rooftop bars, a concert venue, art gallery, riverfront park and even natural science exhibits to spark your imagination. For more information, please visit www.plantriverside.com and follow @plantriversidedistrict on Facebook and Instagram.

ABOUT THE KESSLER COLLECTION:

The Kessler Collection’s portfolio of passionately created and artistically inspired boutique hotels boasts chic design, luxurious accommodations, enriching ambiance and intuitive service. Whether visiting properties in Alabama, Colorado, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina or South Carolina, each hotel’s exquisite art, music and cultural influences are deliberately approachable. Designed to inspire mystique and to encourage unforgettable experiences, Kessler guests are immersed in redefined Bohemian luxury, from an 1888 historic hotel and a cutting-edge downtown icon to a premier luxury lodge, high-design Southern mansion and elite ski lodge. The Kessler Collection was the founding member of the Marriott Autograph Collection, introduced with seven Autograph Collection branded hotels. Each property is a bold, original hotel carefully created with style and the individualist traveler in mind. For more information about The Kessler Collection, please visit www.kesslercollection.com or call 888.472.6312.