BROOKLYN, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today West Elm announced Portland, Maine as the newest location for its West Elm Hotels portfolio, expected to open in 2020. The 150 room, full-service boutique hotel will be developed on Portland’s waterfront by Portland Foreside Development Company LLC, and operated by hotel development and management company DDK, West Elm Hotels’ exclusive operator.
“Portland has experienced a renaissance within the past decade, creating a distinct and modern vibe, while honoring its maritime history,” said Peter Fowler, vice president of West Elm Hospitality. “Our collaboration with Portland Foreside Development Company brings forth local knowledge and expertise that will deliver an original experience for guests, as well as the surrounding seaside community. Together, we will celebrate the city’s past and create opportunities for discerning guests to discover Portland.”
The property will be located in Portland Foreside, a new neighborhood development in the area formerly known as the Portland Company Complex. The Foreside neighborhood will be a vibrant area of town with a wide mix of retail, food and beverage, residential, office, hospitality, and a deep-water marina, all designed to encourage year-round enjoyment and community engagement. Portland Foreside is positioned to become the city’s premier destination for locals and tourists to appreciate Portland’s history, engage in the harbor’s many activities, celebrate special events, enjoy retail and entertainment offerings, and indulge in the renowned local food fare.
"Portland Foreside Development Company is excited about West Elm’s commitment to the City of Portland. We share the vision of connecting travelers to the daily life of Portland by focusing on a unique experience, highlighting the city’s local character, and delivering one-of-a-kind amenities and services modern travelers crave most,” said Casey Prentice, manager of Portland Foreside Development Company.
The hotel will be situated overlooking Portland's waterfront, directly east of the Ocean Gateway Terminal and the waterfront public open space known as Portland Landing, and will offer expansive vistas of Casco Bay, Fort Gorges and neighboring island communities. West Elm will utilize its extensive retail and marketing expertise to design a unique hospitality experience that pays homage to the coastal city’s rich history and burgeoning waterfront community.
Plans for the hotel and surrounding development include:
- 150 guest rooms
- Lobby bar and restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating
- Outdoor pool, including spectacular views of the harbor
- Retail spaces curated in the historic core of the development and next to the hotel
West Elm Hotels was announced in September 2016, with properties scheduled to open in Detroit, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, Oakland and Savannah, beginning in early 2019. As part of West Elm's ongoing commitment and relationship with makers around the world, each West Elm Hotel, including the Portland location, will feature local design elements that celebrate the community and reflect traditional décor, handicraft, cuisine and culture from the region. As West Elm Hotels’ exclusive operator, DDK will lead property development with local partners, from the spirit of the General Manager as Innkeeper, to engaging makers, artists, and community empowerment within the Portland market.
For additional details about West Elm Hotels, please visit http://westelmhotels.com/
About West Elm
Headquartered in Brooklyn, NY since 2002, West Elm opened its first store in DUMBO, the neighborhood it still proudly calls home. With a mission of harnessing the power of design and human connection to enrich lives, everything West Elm does is designed to make an impact in everyday life, from creating unique, affordable designs for modern living and commitment to Fair Trade Certified, from LOCAL and handcrafted products to community-driven collaborations and events. The brand operates 101 retail stores in the United States, Australia, Canada and the UK, ships internationally to customers around the world and operates stores in Mexico, the Middle East, Philippines and South Korea through unaffiliated franchisees. In addition to home furnishings retail, West Elm operates West Elm Workspace in the commercial furnishings industry and announced its expansion into the travel and hospitality industry with the launch of West Elm Hotels. West Elm publishes the blog Front+Main and is part of an active community on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter and YouTube. West Elm is a member of the Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE:WSM) portfolio of brands.
About Portland Foreside Development Company
Portland Foreside Development Company LLC, an affiliate of CPB2 LLC, is a privately-owned and locally managed real estate development firm based in Portland, Maine that was formed to implement the development of the 10-acre waterfront site and adjoining deep water marina located at 58 Fore Street, part of the downtown area of Portland, Maine. The development envisions fulfilling the Master Development Plan that was approved by the City of Portland in December of 2016, which calls for the creation of a vibrant, waterfront neighborhood with a diverse mix of uses that encourages year-round enjoyment and community engagement. More information about Portland Foreside Development Company LLC is available here: www.portlandforeside.com.
