In December 2014, Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex Arena was rebranded toLegacy Arena at the BJCC. The BJCC is one of the largest meeting facilities in the state, offering 220,000 square feet of exhibition space, 74 meeting rooms, a 2,800-seat auditorium and an 18,000-seat arena. Legacy Arena is connected to the 757-room Sheraton Birmingham and the 294-room Westin Birmingham.
In 2016,Marriottwill add two properties in historic Downtown Birmingham buildings. Built in 1909, the Empire Building and the adjoining Alagasco headquarters helped earn 20th Street and First Avenue the moniker “the heaviest corner on Earth.” The Empire Building will become the luxurious 117-room Empire Hotel, while the Alagasco building will transform into a limited-service Marriott with 120 guest rooms. The redevelopment projects are estimated to cost $27 million and $18 million respectively. Plans include a fine restaurant helmed by award-winning chef Chris Hastings of Hot and Hot Fish Club. The properties are slated to open in summer 2016.
Grand Bohemian Mountain Brookis scheduled to open this fall. The luxurious boutique property, located in the upscale suburb of Mountain Brook, will be part of the Kessler Collection. Grand Bohemian will offer 100 guest rooms, 12,600 square feet of meeting space, a Porsche-theme restaurant and a rooftop restaurant and bar.
Redmont Hotelis currently undergoing a $20 million renovation in preparation for rebranding as a Hilton Curio Collection property this summer. The historic property, built in 1925, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Redmont will offer 120 guest rooms, 3,600 square feet of meeting space, a restaurant and a rooftop bar.
Mercedes-Benzreopened its visitor center in February after a $3 million renovation. Located in nearby Vance, the center guides visitors through the automaker’s 128-year history and displays vintage and late-model cars. Mercedes-Benz has built cars in Alabama for more than 20 years. Group tours of 20 are available with advance reservations.