Thursday, December 26, 2024 Downtown Mankato, Minnesota, is set to undergo a significant transformation with the launch of a $93 million hotel project. This ambitious development will replace two deteriorating buildings with a state-of-the-art, 10-story complex featuring two premier hotels — an AC Hotel by Marriott and an Element by Westin. The project, spearheaded by local investors and developers, represents one of the largest private investments in Mankato’s downtown history.
Initially, the project involved renovating the former City Center Hotel and Landmark Building. However, plans evolved into a more expansive vision to raze both aging structures and create a new landmark that would redefine the city’s hospitality landscape. The two-building complex will offer a combined total of 282 hotel rooms, significantly boosting the downtown’s capacity to accommodate visitors.
Strategically located across Main Street from the public library and near the city-owned convention center, the hotels aim to enhance Mankato’s appeal as a regional destination for conferences, events, and tourism. Mayor Najwa Massad praised the initiative, calling it a smart investment in the city’s future. “This project will be a game-changer for downtown businesses and our convention center economy,” she stated.
The project’s $93 million price tag is supported by substantial local and state subsidies, including an $11 million financial package approved in October. This includes a $1.1 m.