Credit: John D’Angelo
The long-anticipated AC Hotel Detroit at the Bonstelle is finally preparing to open its doors, marking a new chapter for Detroit’s evolving Brush Park neighborhood. Located on Woodward Avenue, south of Mack Avenue, this 10-story, 154-room hotel represents a $49 million development years in the making—and a testament to Detroit’s resilience and reinvention.
Developed by Detroit’s own Roxbury Group, the AC Hotel is more than a nod to urban development; it’s a bold reclamation of space and history in a city defined by its grit. David Di Rita, principal of The Roxbury Group, emphasized the importance of blending high-end hospitality with honoring Detroit’s architectural legacy. “We take a great deal of pride in pairing high-end hospitality with iconic historic properties, and we are honored to be restoring the beauty of the Bonstelle and seamlessly integrating it with the modern sensibility of AC Hotels,” he said in a statement. That mission—to respect the past while embracing the future—is woven throughout the project.
The AC Hotel isn’t just a new building; it’s part of a larger movement known as the SoMA (South of Mack Avenue) project, which covers seven acres of Brush Park property owned by the Nyman family. For years, the hotel’s fate was uncertain. Initially slated to be a West Elm-branded property, the partnership dissolved more than five years ago. The COVID-19 pandemic added further delays. Still, the Roxbury Group’s determination never wavered. Now, the AC Hotel will finally take its place in Detroit’s growing hospitality landscape, alongside luxury developments like the Edition and JW Marriott projects downtown.
The hotel’s design and amenities reflect this balance between preservation and innovation. Connected to the historic Bonstelle Theater via a glass-enclosed Conservatory, the space offers a blend of modern elegance and historic charm. Guests will find a lobby bar serving gin-based cocktails and Spanish small plates, nodding to AC Hotels’ European roots. The Conservatory serves as more than a physical connection; it’s a metaphor for the blending of two eras, creating a gathering space that speaks to the city’s future while honoring its past.
The Bonstelle Theater itself is a story worth telling. Originally designed by famed architect Albert Kahn in 1903 as Temple Beth El, the building transformed into the Bonstelle Playhouse in 1925 under the guidance of C. Howard Crane. Over the decades, it has served as a theater, a movie house, and a cultural anchor for Detroit’s arts community. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982, the Bonstelle’s significance cannot be overstated. It has been a space where Detroiters have gathered, celebrated, and reflected—and its latest transformation ensures it will continue to serve that purpose for generations to come.
When restoration is complete in the spring, the Bonstelle will host live performances, civic gatherings, and private events. This renewal of purpose speaks directly to the necessity of preserving Detroit’s cultural landmarks while creating new opportunities for engagement. For a city with such a rich history, honoring these spaces is more than symbolic; it’s a commitment to maintaining the soul of Detroit in the midst of change.
Behind the scenes, the AC Hotel is the product of collaboration among local and national teams. Detroit-based Sachse Construction oversaw the build, while Stantec’s Berkley office handled design. Patrick Thompson Design, another Detroit-based firm, curated the interiors to reflect the city’s unique character. San Diego’s Azul Hospitality will manage the property, adding it to its portfolio of Roxbury Group projects, which include the Element Detroit at the Metropolitan and The Hotel David Whitney, Autograph Collection.
Financing for the project came from a range of sources, including Troy-based Flagstar Bank, the Bank of Ann Arbor, Invest Detroit, and Stonehill, a division of Atlanta’s Peachtree Group. This blend of local and national investment underscores the collective belief in Detroit’s potential as a premier destination.
But what does this mean for Detroit’s Black community? Developments like the AC Hotel bring new opportunities for tourism and economic growth, but they also raise questions about equity, access, and who benefits from these projects. As Detroit continues its transformation, the community must remain vigilant to ensure that progress doesn’t come at the expense of its most vulnerable residents. This isn’t just about adding another high-end hotel to the city’s skyline; it’s about making sure that revitalization efforts are inclusive and that Detroiters—all Detroiters—are part of the city’s story of renewal.
The Bonstelle Theater’s transformation is a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving our shared history. For decades, this space has been a home for storytelling, art, and cultural exchange. Its renewal ensures that it will remain a space for community connection and celebration. And for a city like Detroit, where every brick carries the weight of history, these efforts matter deeply.
As the AC Hotel Detroit prepares to welcome guests, it represents more than a new place to stay. It’s a marker of Detroit’s ongoing evolution, a city constantly redefining itself while staying rooted in its legacy. But the work doesn’t stop here. The success of projects like this must be measured not only by their aesthetic and financial achievements but by their ability to uplift the community and create opportunities for those who call Detroit home.
Detroit’s story is one of persistence and creativity. The AC Hotel Detroit at the Bonstelle is just one chapter, but it’s a chapter worth celebrating. As we look ahead, let this project serve as both a milestone and a reminder: the work of building a city is never done, and progress must always be rooted in equity, community, and respect for the past.
