DURHAM, NC-Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. reports it will break ground later this year on the Aloft Durham Downtown with an opening scheduled for May 2015 in the revitalized American Tobacco Historic District.

Owned by Davidson & Jones, the newly constructed Aloft hotel will feature 134 loft-like rooms, tech-forward innovation and what the Stamford, CT-based hotelier calls “a buzzing, social atmosphere” at the downtown property that is located between the Durham Performing Arts Center and the Durham Bulls Athletic Park.

“The leading-edge design and social vibe offered by our Aloft brand is a terrific match for the revitalized American Tobacco Historic District, an exciting mixed-use complex that has helped accelerate the redevelopment of downtown Durham,” said Brian McGuinness, senior vice president, Specialty Select Brands for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. “Aloft just reached its 75th-hotel milestone, driven by robust demand in dynamic markets across the globe.”

Aloft Durham Downtown, located at the intersection of Blackwell and Vivian Streets, will offer direct access to Durham Bulls' baseball games and top theater performances at DPAC. The new Aloft will be a key component of the American Tobacco Historic District, which launched a massive redevelopment and restoration project in 2004 to transform the iconic American Tobacco Company's campus into a unique mixed-use development complex with local and national corporations, restaurants and event venues. Aloft Durham Downtown will offer amenities including an outdoor Splash pool, W XYZsm bar, a 24-hour gym, private parking and approximately 2,230 square feet of flexible meeting space for both business meetings and social gatherings.

“Since the rebirth of the American Tobacco Campus almost ten years ago, we have envisioned a complete experience with a full array of services and attractions,” said Michael Goodmon, vice president of real Estate for Capitol Broadcasting Company, which owns American Tobacco. “While the vision to develop a one-of-a-kind destination has always been there, we've spent countless hours looking for the right plans and partners. By partnering with globally acclaimed Starwood Hotels & Resorts and respected regional powerhouse Davidson & Jones, we're ready to create an environment worthy of dynamic Durham and the Triangle.”