New renderings released for future JW Marriott Detroit Water Square

We now have a better idea of what Detroit's latest hotel will look like along its riverfront. This morning, officials confirmed that Hotel Water Square will be a JW Marriott hotel and released new renderings of the new hotel at the site of the former Joe Louis Arena.

Construction started in April on the project, which will bring 600 hotel rooms right next to Huntington Place, our convention center. The hotel will be connected to the center with a pedestrian bridge. And while its neighbor, the Residences at Water Square, is a glass tower, the new hotel will add a little more dimension, especially along the side of the Riverfront.

The developments will also have a park open to the public, which will have public art, landscaping, lighting, seating, river views, and a dog station. Second Avenue will also be extended to the development.

The hotel is expected to generate an additional $100 million annually by attracting more - and bigger - events to the city.

"The significant investment made by Sterling Group will create the first hotel connected to our convention center in the city’s history. This waterfront development reflects the accelerating strength of Detroit to attract premier meetings and conventions. A connected hotel is a critical component that will allow Huntington Place and the City of Detroit to be a competitive force to attract such events going forward,” said Claude Molinari, Chairperson of the DRCFA.

The project is funding by Ullico, who also funded the Residences. Ullico is a labor-owned insurance and investment company. According to a press release, the project is expected to create 426 direct and indirect jobs and 600 union construction jobs.

"We are proud to invest in a Detroit project that supports unions,” said Brian J. Hale, CEO and President of Ullico Inc. “Through J for Jobs, we help increase the vast economic power of the labor movement while bolstering local economies.”

“Construction of the new JW Marriott Detroit Water Square Hotel adds to a growing list of proof of just how far Wayne County has come in a relatively short period of time. Soon to be home to the only 4-star branded hotel between Cleveland, Ohio and Grand Rapids, this distinction should put everyone on notice that Wayne County is quickly becoming a top destination for major events and conventions as well as tourism, and we’re not done yet,” according to Wayne County Executive Warren Evans.

The hotel is expected to open in early 2027, in time for the Men's NCAA Final Four tournament in Detroit that spring.