Key Components Unfold at Menlo Gateway Site

The Autograph Collection hotel is part of the Menlo Gateway project.

MENLO PARK, CA—A 250-room luxury lifestyle hotel, the first in decades to be built in Silicon Valley from the ground up, is underway. In a partnership, Ensemble Real Estate Investments and AECOM Capital are teaming on the 11-story hotel, which will be a member of Marriott’s Autograph Collection . It is a key component of Silicon Valley’s landmark Menlo Gateway project, which will transform 16 acres of industrial land east of Highway 101 into a vibrant work and leisure environment. Menlo Gateway is being developed by the Bohannon Development Company . In addition to the hotel, it is to include three office buildings and accompanying parking structures, a Bay Club fitness facility and outdoor amenities. “This hotel highlights the ability of AECOM Capital and Ensemble to successfully partner with project owners and municipal stakeholders to design an independent lifestyle property that adds value to the surrounding community,” said Brian Ehrlich , chief investment officer at Ensemble Real Estate Investments. “Our goal is to create a boldly original facility that honors the unique ethos and innovative spirit of Silicon Valley–a place that will be a neighborhood after-hours retreat for locals and a must-stay destination for taste-making travelers and corporate leaders.” Inspired by the culture of innovation in Silicon Valley, the property will be a full-service, four-star hotel featuring an iconic architectural design built to the LEED Silver-level. With architectural design elements that pay homage to the curved bow of an elegant sailing ship, the hotel’s details will reflect the personality of Menlo Park while meeting the needs of high-tech business travelers. “We’re excited to join Ensemble and Bohannon to develop the Marriott Autograph Collection hotel,” said John Livingston , chief executive of AECOM Capital. “This project represents our first investment in the Bay Area, and addresses the need for more hotel rooms in Menlo Park to support the growing demand of the technology industry.” The Autograph Collection hotel in Menlo Park will offer 43 suites featuring floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the Bay and surrounding foothills; landscaped courtyards and gardens with a zero-edge pool and spa, cabanas and fire pits; a three-meal restaurant, lobby coffee market and poolside bar; and 20,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor meeting and event space including a 6,000-square-foot ballroom, executive boardroom with terrace and a 3,000-square-foot event lawn. Ehrlich tells Globest.com: “Each of our projects is designed specifically for the community where they are located and we feel that our plans for the Autograph Collection hotel do that.” Minneapolis-based Cuningham Group Architecture is the project architect. It has designed numerous landmark hospitality and resort properties in the US and Asia. McCartan Interior Design , based in New York, is providing interior design services. The hotel is expected to open for business in late 2017. “We’re pleased to have built a strong relationship with Bohannon Development Company and the city of Menlo Park as the Menlo Gateway project has progressed,” said Ehrlich. “Through this partnership, we will deliver a creatively curated experience that provides thoughtfully chosen essentials for its global guests.”