Detroit's riverfront is about to get its most significant hospitality addition in decades, and it is not just another hotel. The JW Marriott Detroit Water Square is a 600-room, 25-story luxury convention hotel rising on the former Joe Louis Arena site, and it represents a nearly $400 million bet on the city's future as a national destination for major events and conventions.
The building itself, located at 100 Steve Yzerman Drive (West Atwater Street), could be structurally complete as early as December 2025, according to Scott Stinebaugh, director of sales and marketing for the property, who recently provided a tour of the project. The hotel will begin accepting guests in the first quarter of 2027.
For Metro Detroit residents, this is not just a development story. It is a fundamental shift in how the region competes for events, conventions, and tourism dollars against cities like Indianapolis, Chicago, and Columbus. And the ripple effects on downtown Detroit's real estate market, restaurant scene, and infrastructure are already in motion.
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How Big Is the JW Marriott Detroit Water Square Project?
The JW Marriott Detroit Water Square is a $396.5 million project featuring 601 guest rooms and suites across 25 stories, with 53,000 square feet of meeting and event space, making it the largest new hotel construction in downtown Detroit in years.
The numbers on this project are staggering. The hotel spans approximately 646,888 square feet and sits on the five-acre site formerly occupied by Joe Louis Arena, which was demolished in 2021 after the Detroit Red Wings moved to Little Caesars Arena in 2017.
Developed by Detroit-based Sterling Group and designed by Southfield's Neumann/Smith Architecture in association with Looney and Associates, the building features five podium levels with public spaces and 20 guest floors above. Macomb Township-based Colasanti Construction Services is the general contractor. The project is financed by Ullico (Union Labor Life Insurance Company), the only labor-owned insurance and investment company in the country, which issued a $252 million loan for the project according to Wayne County records.
Among the standout features: a 17,000-square-foot grand ballroom capable of accommodating more than 2,000 guests, 53,000 square feet of total meeting space, two large ballrooms overlooking the Detroit River, a 15,000-square-foot wellness area with full-service spa, a 50-foot indoor lap pool, and a modern fitness center. Guest rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the river, Belle Isle, the Ambassador Bridge, and Windsor, Canada.
One notable sustainability feature: the hotel will use river-sourced cooling, drawing from the Detroit River to help regulate building temperatures.
What Restaurants and Dining Will the JW Marriott Offer?
The JW Marriott Detroit Water Square will feature four distinct dining experiences, headlined by an Andiamo Italian Chop House with 260 seats, plus The Veranda, a lobby bar called The Assembly, and the JW Market.
The dining lineup alone sets this hotel apart from anything currently operating on Detroit's riverfront. The anchor restaurant is an Andiamo Italian Chop House at street level, a 200-seat indoor restaurant with approximately 60 additional outdoor seats and its own valet service. Andiamo owner Joe Vicari has called the waterfront location the perfect setting for the brand's tradition of fine Italian dining. That restaurant is scheduled to open in January 2027.
It is worth noting that the existing Andiamo Detroit Riverfront location at the Renaissance Center will close later this year to make way for extensive renovations at that complex. So the Water Square location will become the primary Andiamo destination on Detroit's riverfront.
Beyond Andiamo, the hotel will offer The Assembly, a lobby bar with a lighter food menu, The Veranda (a Marriott-operated restaurant), and JW Market for grab-and-go convenience items and gifts.
If you are interested in the broader restaurant scene unfolding across the city, The Perna Team's guide to downtown Detroit's top restaurants and bars covers the best of what is already open.
Why Does Detroit Need a Convention Hotel Connected to Huntington Place?
The JW Marriott will be the first hotel in Detroit's history connected directly to its convention center, a feature that competing cities like Indianapolis, Chicago, and Cleveland already have, and one that has cost Detroit hundreds of thousands of hotel room nights in lost events.
This is the detail that makes the JW Marriott genuinely transformative rather than just impressive. A pedestrian skybridge will directly connect the hotel to Huntington Place Convention Center, making it the first connected convention hotel in Detroit's history.
Claude Molinari, president and CEO of Visit Detroit, has been blunt about the stakes. Southeast Michigan has more than 46,000 hotel rooms across the region, so overall supply is not the problem. The critical gap is rooms within walking distance of the downtown convention center. Molinari has stated publicly that Detroit cannot attract the biggest events it should because it lacks the adjacent hotel rooms to support them.
Multiple sources indicate that Detroit has missed out on hundreds of thousands of hotel room nights in recent years because event planners simply will not consider a destination unless a luxury hotel is physically attached to the convention center. The JW Marriott fixes that.
Additionally, a tunnel will also connect the hotel to the convention center, providing a second pathway for convention attendees. A 1,000-spot parking deck has also been under consideration as part of the broader site plan.
The hotel's valet entrance will run along a new extension of Second Avenue from Fort Street, set to open in spring 2026. That extension over the Lodge Freeway to the Riverwalk will include two lanes of traffic plus dedicated walking and bike lanes, dramatically improving connectivity between downtown and the riverfront.
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What Is the Economic Impact of the JW Marriott Detroit Water Square?
The hotel is projected to generate more than $100 million in new annual visitor spending and create over 400 permanent jobs, while making Detroit competitive for conventions and major events it previously could not host.
The economic projections are substantial. Multiple officials and development sources have stated that the JW Marriott is expected to generate over $100 million in new annual spending for the city and region. Construction alone created approximately 600 union construction jobs, with over 400 direct and indirect permanent jobs expected once the hotel is operational.
The project has received broad government support, including backing from the City of Detroit, Wayne County, Oakland County, Macomb County, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation through the Michigan Strategic Fund, and Visit Detroit. Sterling Group sought approximately $90 million in public incentives, including a Commercial Rehabilitation Certificate approved by Detroit City Council.
Wayne County Executive Warren Evans has pointed out that once open, the JW Marriott will be the only four-star branded hotel between Cleveland, Ohio and Grand Rapids, a distinction he says should put competitors on notice about Wayne County's trajectory as a tourism and convention destination.
For Metro Detroit homeowners curious about how these kinds of major developments affect property values and market conditions, The Perna Team's overview of Detroit Development Projects Opening in 2026 That Will Change the City
Thinking about how your own home's value fits into this evolving market? You can get a free home valuation to see where you stand.
How Does the NCAA Final Four Tie Into the JW Marriott?
The 2027 NCAA Men's Final Four at Ford Field on April 3 and 5, 2027 was awarded to Detroit in part because of the JW Marriott project, and the hotel is racing to open before the tournament tips off.
Visit Detroit and the Detroit Sports Commission have openly stated that the JW Marriott helped secure Detroit's bid for the 2027 NCAA Men's Final Four, which returns to Ford Field for the first time since 2009. The national semifinals are scheduled for Saturday, April 3, 2027, with the championship game on Monday, April 5, 2027. Michigan State University is the official host institution.
Detroit Local Organizing Committee CEO Dave Beachnau has noted that last year's Final Four in San Antonio reported $400 million in economic impact, with organizers expecting approximately 100,000 out-of-town visitors for the 2027 event.
The pressure to open before April 2027 is real. The last time the Final Four was in Detroit, MSU reached the national championship game in 2009. The city that greets fans in 2027 will look dramatically different, with the JW Marriott, the completed Riverwalk, and the broader Water Square development representing a level of investment that simply did not exist 18 years ago.
What Else Is Part of the Water Square Development?
Water Square spans the entire five-acre former Joe Louis Arena site and includes The Residences at Water Square (a 496-unit luxury apartment tower), the JW Marriott hotel, a public park called Joe Louis Park, retail plazas, and an upgraded People Mover station.
The JW Marriott is the second major phase of the Water Square development. The Residences at Water Square, a 25-story, 496-unit luxury apartment building, opened in early 2024. That glass tower features units with floor-to-ceiling windows and Detroit River views, with rents starting around $2,275 per month for studios.
Between the two towers, Sterling Group is building Joe Louis Park, a public green space featuring landscaping, public art from local artists, outdoor lighting, a dog station, seating areas, and river views. The park will be open to the public and accessible to residents and visitors alike.
The recently renamed Water Square Detroit People Mover station, the transit stop closest to the riverfront, is also getting an upgrade. Detroit Transportation Corp. officials, Mayor Mike Duggan, and Sterling Group founder Gary Torgow announced the station modernization, with updates expected to be completed by the end of 2026. The enhanced station will complement the broader pedestrian and transit improvements connecting the district to the rest of downtown.
For families considering downtown living or just wanting to explore the evolving riverfront neighborhoods, The Perna Team's guide to new attractions in Metro Detroit in 2026 covers more of what is opening across the region.
Who Is Sterling Group, the Developer Behind Water Square?
Sterling Group is a privately held, Detroit-based investment and real estate firm founded in 1988 by Gary Torgow, who also serves as chairman of Huntington Bank.
Sterling Group is not a fly-by-night developer parachuting into Detroit. The firm was founded in 1988 in Detroit and remains headquartered in the city. Gary Torgow, the firm's founder, also chairs Huntington Bank, which is notable given that Huntington Place (the convention center the hotel connects to) bears the bank's name.
Danny Samson, Sterling Group's chief development officer, has led the development, working with the City of Detroit, the Neighborhood Advisory Council, and multiple county executives through the community benefits process. The project passed Detroit City Council with a unanimous vote.
The financing structure is also meaningful. Ullico, the labor-owned investment company that funded both the Residences and the hotel, has stated its pride in backing a project built by union labor. Every construction job on the site has been a union position, and the broader investment reflects a deliberate alignment between labor interests and urban development.
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jwmarriottdetroitwatersquare, instagram
What Will It Be Like to Stay at the JW Marriott Detroit Water Square?
Guests will experience a luxury property designed around its waterfront setting, with river-view rooms, multiple terraces, a JW Executive Lounge, four restaurants, a full spa, and direct convention center access via skybridge.
Marriott International has positioned the property under its JW brand, which the company describes as inspired by principles of mindfulness. There are more than 100 JW Marriott hotels across 35 countries, including one in downtown Grand Rapids.
The hotel's design maximizes its waterfront location. A wave-like design element in the main lobby ceiling is intended to visually guide guests toward the river. Multiple outdoor terraces overlook the Detroit River, offering panoramic views of Belle Isle, the Ambassador Bridge, and Canada. The hotel will also offer a JW Executive Lounge, a dedicated retreat for Marriott Bonvoy Platinum, Titanium, and Ambassador Elite members.
The property will also feature bike rentals and pedestrian-friendly access to the Detroit Riverwalk, connecting guests to nearly five miles of continuous waterfront. Public art installations, including within Joe Louis Park, will add to the experience for both hotel guests and the general public.
What Should Metro Detroit Residents Take Away From This?
The JW Marriott Detroit Water Square is not just a hotel. It is a $396.5 million infrastructure investment that fundamentally repositions Detroit's ability to compete for major national events, conventions, and tourism dollars. The skybridge to Huntington Place closes a gap that has cost the region real economic opportunity for years.
For Metro Detroit homeowners, developments of this scale tend to create positive pressure on property values and neighborhood desirability, especially in adjacent downtown neighborhoods and along the riverfront corridor. For anyone in the market to buy or sell, understanding how major projects like this affect specific neighborhoods is exactly the kind of local expertise that makes a difference.
The Perna Team has been helping families navigate Metro Detroit real estate for more than 24 years and over 8,000 transactions. Whether you are curious about downtown living, evaluating how development momentum affects your home's value, or exploring neighborhoods across Oakland, Wayne, and Macomb counties, reach out at (248) 886-4450 or visit thepernateam.com for guidance from a team that knows this market inside and out.
Key Takeaways
- The JW Marriott Detroit Water Square is a $396.5 million, 25-story, 600-room luxury hotel under construction on the former Joe Louis Arena site in downtown Detroit.
- It will be the first hotel in Detroit's history directly connected to Huntington Place Convention Center via skybridge, closing a critical gap that has cost the city hundreds of thousands of hotel room nights.
- The hotel is projected to generate over $100 million in new annual visitor spending and create more than 400 permanent jobs.
- Four dining concepts are planned, including an Andiamo Italian Chop House opening January 2027, plus The Assembly lobby bar, The Veranda restaurant, and JW Market.
- The project helped Detroit secure the 2027 NCAA Men's Final Four at Ford Field (April 3 and 5, 2027), and the hotel is racing to open ahead of the tournament.
- The broader Water Square development includes The Residences (496 luxury apartments), Joe Louis Park, retail plazas, and an upgraded People Mover station.
- Designed by Neumann/Smith Architecture with river-sourced cooling, the property features 53,000 square feet of meeting space, a 17,000-square-foot grand ballroom, full-service spa, and a 50-foot indoor lap pool.
People Also Ask
When will the JW Marriott Detroit Water Square open?
Construction on the JW Marriott Detroit Water Square could be completed as early as December 2025, with the hotel expected to begin accepting guests in the first quarter of 2027. Developers are targeting an opening ahead of the 2027 NCAA Men's Final Four at Ford Field in April 2027.
Where exactly is the JW Marriott Detroit Water Square located?
The hotel is located at 100 Steve Yzerman Drive (West Atwater Street) in downtown Detroit, on the former Joe Louis Arena site along the Detroit River. It sits between The Residences at Water Square and Huntington Place Convention Center, with direct skybridge access to the convention center.
How much did the JW Marriott Detroit Water Square cost to build?
The total project cost is approximately $396.5 million, financed primarily through a $252 million loan from Ullico (Union Labor Life Insurance Company). The project also received approximately $90 million in public incentives, including a Commercial Rehabilitation Certificate approved by Detroit City Council.
Will the JW Marriott be connected to Huntington Place?
Yes. The JW Marriott will be the first hotel in Detroit's history with a direct pedestrian skybridge to Huntington Place Convention Center. A tunnel connection between the two buildings is also planned, giving convention attendees multiple covered pathways between the hotel and the venue.
What restaurants will be inside the JW Marriott Detroit Water Square?
The hotel will feature four dining options: Andiamo Italian Chop House (a 260-seat signature restaurant with its own valet, opening January 2027), The Veranda (a Marriott-operated restaurant), The Assembly (a lobby bar with a lighter food menu), and JW Market (a grab-and-go shop for convenience and gift items).
How many rooms does the JW Marriott Detroit Water Square have?
The hotel will have 601 guest rooms and suites, including 44 suites. All rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the Detroit River, downtown Detroit, Belle Isle, the Ambassador Bridge, or Windsor, Canada.
What happened to Joe Louis Arena?
The Detroit Red Wings left Joe Louis Arena in 2017 to move into Little Caesars Arena. The arena was demolished in 2021, and the five-acre site was redeveloped by Sterling Group as Water Square, which includes The Residences at Water Square (opened 2024), the JW Marriott hotel (opening 2027), Joe Louis Park, and retail plazas.
How does the JW Marriott affect the 2027 NCAA Final Four in Detroit?
Visit Detroit and the Detroit Sports Commission have confirmed that the JW Marriott project helped Detroit win the bid for the 2027 NCAA Men's Final Four. The tournament returns to Ford Field on April 3 and 5, 2027, for the first time since 2009, and organizers expect approximately 100,000 out-of-town visitors. The hotel provides the connected, luxury accommodations event planners require.
What is the Water Square development in Detroit?
Water Square is a mixed-use development on the former Joe Louis Arena site along Detroit's west riverfront. It spans five acres and includes The Residences at Water Square (a 25-story, 496-unit luxury apartment building), the JW Marriott Detroit Water Square hotel, Joe Louis Park (a public green space with art and river views), retail and public plazas, and an upgraded Water Square People Mover station.
Who is the developer behind the JW Marriott Detroit Water Square?
Sterling Group, a privately held, Detroit-based investment and real estate firm founded in 1988 by Gary Torgow (who also serves as chairman of Huntington Bank), is the lead developer. Danny Samson serves as the firm's chief development officer. The project architect is Neumann/Smith Architecture of Southfield, with Colasanti Construction of Macomb Township as general contractor.
Will the JW Marriott Detroit Water Square have a pool and spa?
Yes. The hotel will feature a 15,000-square-foot wellness area that includes a full-service Spa by JW, a modern fitness center, and a 50-foot indoor lap pool. The property also has multiple outdoor terraces overlooking the Detroit River.
Is the JW Marriott Detroit Water Square the only new luxury hotel coming to downtown Detroit?
No. The Edition hotel, a five-star Marriott brand, is also planned for the 45-story Hudson's Detroit building in the coming years. Detroit already has several Marriott properties, including the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center, the Westin Book Cadillac, the Hotel David Whitney (Autograph Collection), the AC Hotel on Woodward, and the Element Detroit at the Metropolitan.
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