Hard Rock International announced development plans for REVERB by Hard Rock® Pensacola to break ground in 2026 and open in 2029.
This will mark the company’s sixth REVERB property joining the portfolio, with Atlanta and Hamburg, and Kalamazoo, Tampa, and Scottsdale also being developed.
REVERB by Hard Rock® Pensacola will feature more than 125 hotel technology-enhanced rooms, a full-service restaurant, a rooftop bar, a lobby bar and lounge, quick service restaurant and fitness center.
An exclusive REVERB City Guide for Pensacola will feature local artist-curated lists of favorite drinks, dining, and entertainment locations throughout the local area.
Additionally, the property will host a podcast recording studio for local talent and creators as well as a meeting space for conferences.
The property will be located downtown at Maritime Park along Pensacola Bay with views of the picturesque water that connects to the Gulf of Mexico and with views of Blue Wahoos Stadium. It will provide easy access to nearby hotspots including beaches, National Naval Aviation Museum and Pensacola Museum of Art.
The hotel will be developed on a 100-year ground lease with the city of Pensacola. The project is expected to create an economic boost to the area and generate 500+ construction and 75+ permanent hospitality employment opportunities with competitive pay.
“Hard Rock is thrilled to keep growing our REVERB hotel portfolio with what will be the second planned property in Florida, this time in the heart of Pensacola Bay. We have full confidence in our partner, the Dawson Company, to deliver a best-in-class hotel based on their four decades of proven experience executing complex and catalytic projects throughout the eastern United States, and their extensive knowledge of the Pensacola market,” said Todd Hricko, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Hotel Development at Hard Rock International.
The Dawson Company, a second-generation, Pensacola-based development firm known for its pioneering, landmark mixed-use developments in Atlanta, Cincinnati, Baltimore and Pensacola has assembled a design and engineering team to design the project in Florida’s Panhandle.
The design team includes Gensler, the world’s largest architectural design firm and Kravitz Design, the global conceptual consulting firm helmed by musician Lenny Kravitz known globally for their groundbreaking, yet approachable and artistic style.
With a plan to build in mass timber, Thornton Tomasetti, the foremost thought leader on mass timber design is also on the design team.
“With its roots in music, entertainment and philanthropy, Hard Rock is a wonderful partner for The Dawson Company to continue extending our real estate footprint,” said Tamara Bowens, President & Chief Operating Officer for the Dawson Company.
“We are truly excited to bring the REVERB by Hard Rock to the city of Pensacola and we look forward to also working closely with Gensler, Kravitz Design and Thornton Tomasetti to develop what’s to become an incredible mainstay in Pensacola.”
Other partners contributing to the development include Pensacola native, NFL Hall of Famer and real estate entrepreneur, Emmitt Smith, CEO at EJ Smith Enterprises.
REVERB by Hard Rock® is a new select-service hotel designed for the modern music lover; a sanctuary for the eclectic, a place for fans to gather and experience a melting pot of music culture. The hotel features a modern, urban design, user-friendly integrated technology and a program that focuses on local music, food and lifestyle.
