The Godfrey Hotel Detroit (imagery: © Elkus Manfredi Architects)

Oxford Capital Group and Hunter Pasteur have started work on a major scheme, designed by Elkus Manfredi Architects and The Gettys Group Companies, in Michigan’s largest city.

This 227-key property will bring an exciting new lifestyle offering to Motor City.

A new lifestyle hub for Detroit

The Godfrey Hotel Detroit, which has just broken ground, will be affiliated with the Curio Collection by Hilton brand and managed by Oxford Hotels & Resorts upon opening. The Elkus Manfredi Architects-designed property will feature 227 guestrooms, indoor-outdoor rooftop lounge I|O and ground-floor chef-driven restaurant Corktown, as well as a lobby bar, fitness centre and 5,500 sq ft grand ballroom capable of holding up to 350 people.

A landmark seven-storey development at 1401 Michigan Avenue in Corktown, it’ll create an estimated 200 to 300 construction jobs, and around 160 to 200 other part- and full-time jobs.

“We are excited to achieve this important milestone as we continue our strategic national investment, development and acquisition activities while simultaneously growing our lifestyle Godfrey hotel brand throughout the country,” said John W Rutledge, founder, chairman and CEO of Oxford Hotels & Resorts and Oxford Capital Group.

“The project will be just a few blocks from Michigan Central Station, Ford’s new billion-dollar campus and a significant development in Detroit’s resurgence. Since my student days at The University of Michigan, I have been watching Detroit closely and have been impressed by the remarkable transformation that has occurred downtown.

“We look forward to adding to this momentum and delivering a stunning physical product, as well as Oxford’s unique brand of hospitality, to this beautiful and dynamic city as Detroit and the country continue their post-pandemic recovery over the next several years.”

Inspiring interiors and exciting new venues

The interiors of this hotel will be designed by The Gettys Group, taking inspiration from local diversity and industrial aesthetics. Guests can expect to find a timeless decor pairing a bright neutral background with colourful furniture and finishes, geometric patterns and tailored accents. Warm wood tones will meet textured metal, sculptural lighting and terrazzo floors, connecting guests with the elements through the use of natural forms, and bringing the industrial spirit into lofty guestrooms.

“Corktown has become synonymous with phenomenal food and drink and is home to an emerging business core,” said Randy Wertheimer, president and CEO of Hunter Pasteur. “The Godfrey Hotel will fill a real need in this neighbourhood, and we’re so thrilled to bring this national hotel brand to our hometown.

“We look forward to The Godfrey becoming a staple of the city and Corktown community, not just because of the hotel, but also the exciting F&B venues we are developing, including the lobby bar, restaurant, rooftop lounge and ballroom, which we hope will all become important destination venues for locals and travellers alike to Detroit.”

Matthew Kalt, vice president of Oxford Capital Group, added: “We view Detroit as a compelling hotel investment market given all the existing and new demand being created by the dozens of recent and forthcoming corporate relocations and expansions downtown.”

Key investors in the project include several prominent Detroit families, led by Nate Forbes and James Grosfeld. Oxford, Hunter Pasteur and The Forbes Co are also finalising plans to create the Perennial Corktown Apartments next to the new hotel.

The Godfrey Hotel Detroit is scheduled to launch in 2023.

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