BETHESDA, Md.
Joint venture partners the Bernstein Companies and Boston Properties broke ground on the new Marriott International headquarters complex and adjacent Marriott hotel in downtown Bethesda, Md.
Marriott opened the ceremony by welcoming Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett and other public and private dignitaries to celebrate the first phase of construction of the company’s new headquarters.
“Montgomery County has been our home for more than 60 years and we take immense pride in this community and in the strong relationships we’ve developed here,” said J.W. Marriott Jr., executive chairman and chairman of the board of Marriott International during the groundbreaking ceremony.
“From our humble roots as a nine-stool root beer stand in downtown Washington, D.C., to a hospitality company known around the world, we look forward to many more years together as we create a new, 21st century home in downtown Bethesda,” he added.
Marriott International President and Chief Executive Officer, Arne Sorenson, pushed Marriott’s move from its current suburban location to a walkable, transit-oriented environment.
“We are thrilled to be recommitting ourselves to Maryland and investing in Bethesda,” Sorenson said. “This location places Marriott in the heart of a vigorous, educated, and diverse community.
“We firmly believe downtown Bethesda is a vital economic engine with a very bright future and a great place to call home,” he added during the groundbreaking presenation.
Sorenson said the headquarters office building will be a cutting-edge, sustainable workplace offering state-of-the-art technology, modern amenities, and easy access to a range of transportation options.
The Bethesda Metro Station is located less than two blocks away from the Marriott HQ site.
Marriott HQ and Hotel Building Details
With more than 785,000 square feet of office space to support approximately 3,500 associates, the headquarters building is designed to LEED Gold standards, allowing an abundance of natural light, while providing new opportunities for flexible, collaborative workspaces.
The new Marriott Hotel that will be part of the headquarters complex will be a 244-unit, full-service property with more than 8,000 square feet of meeting and ballroom space.
The hotel will also offer guests and the public access to a coffee shop, a rooftop bar and lounge and a contemporary neighborhood restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The restaurant will also allow the option of outdoor dining on a pedestrian plaza.
“For over 60 years, Marriott has shown such loyalty and commitment to the future of our state—infusing more than $430 million into our state economy,” Gov. Hogan said. “Today we are seeing even more proof and a shining example of the incredible progress we are making.”
Construction is scheduled to begin in July, and the Marriott Hotel is slated to open in early 2022, while Marriott International headquarters is expected to move associates into the complex by mid-2022.
The Bernstein Cos. and Boston Properties own the land and will develop and own the headquarters office building, while The Bernstein Cos. will build and own the hotel.
Marriott will manage the office building and the hotel.
