HAMILTON PLACE ADDITIONS
Among additions to the Sears space and parking lots at Hamilton Place mall:* Aloft By Marriott* Dick’s Sporting Goods* Dave & Buster’s* Cheesecake Factory* OfficesSource: CBL, building permits
The vast remake of the closed Sears at Hamilton Place mall got a jolt on Monday when developers revealed plans for a new Aloft by Marriott hotel on a parking lot next to The Cheesecake Factory.
The 135-room hotel is one of about a half dozen new uses unveiled so far for the former Sears and its nearby lots in the ongoing redevelopment at Chattanooga's most popular shopping mall.
The new hotel marks the Aloft brand's entrance into the Chattanooga market, according to mall owner CBL Properties. CBL is partnering with Chattanooga-based hotel developer Vision Hospitality Group to bring the Aloft to Hamilton Place.
Construction is to start in the spring with the hotel expected to open in 2020, CBL said.
Stephen Lebovitz, chief executive officer of CBL Properties, said the addition of Aloft by Marriott complements the broader redevelopment plans of the closed Sears store and its parking lots.
"We are actively executing our vision to transform our properties into suburban town centers that offer visitors a variety of experiences," he said.
Already built or announced are The Cheesecake Factory restaurant, a Dave & Buster's eatery and entertainment complex, a Dick's Sporting Goods store, class 'A' office space, along with additional dining options and new retail, according to CBL.
Aloft by Marriott hotels are known for trendy styles and use technology and design to enhance experiences and keep up with the needs of the modern traveler, CBL and Vision said.
The Aloft Chattanooga Hamilton Place will feature an urban-inspired design with loft-like guestrooms, featuring airy 9-foot ceilings and keyless entry using a smartphone or Apple Watch.
"Experiences are the new commodity, and Aloft Hotels get that," said Mitch Patel, Vision Hospitality Group president and CEO. "The brand incorporates technology, design and culture to set it apart from the traditional hotel, and we look forward to bringing this new experience to our hometown of Chattanooga. We value our long standing relationship with CBL Properties, as well as the opportunity to be a part of this special redevelopment."
The hotel will locate between The Cheesecake Factory and the future Dave & Busters.
Sears permanently closed its Hamilton Place store on Jan. 6, ending a 31-year run by the retailer as one of the mall's original anchors.
Also in January, the Sears store at Northgate Mall in Hixson shut its doors for the final time after about 45 years, leaving Chattanooga without a full-service store from the struggling retailer. A Sears Outlet store in Hixson continues to operate.
Dick's, now located across Gunbarrel Road from Hamilton Place mall in the Walmart shopping center, will relocate to space near where the Sears auto store was located on the first floor. The new Dick's store will occupy nearly 46,000 square feet, permits show.
Contact Mike Pare at mpare@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6318. Follow him on Twitter @MikePareTFP.