Renovation of an iconic, and at one time the tallest, hotel in Ocala is steadily progressing towards a projected opening next year.
Construction crews have been renovating the Marion Hotel located at 108 N Magnolia Avenue for months.
When it reopens in 2025, becoming both “Ocala’s oldest and newest hotel,” the hotel will feature 55 rooms and several amenities.
The property is owned by Marion Opportunity Zone Investment, which is registered to local attorney and businessman David Midgett.
According to property records, Midgett spent years acquiring the condominium units that comprise the building.
Midgett has partnered with ARK Hospitality, which is led by president Aaron Walker and chief operating officer Jeff Bailey, to create a boutique hotel that is part of the Hilton Hotels “Tapestry” Collection.
The new hotel is being developed by Collage Design and Construction Group, which is based in Lake Mary, Florida. The architect on record is Donahue Architecture.
In June, Ocala-News.com reported about the progress at the facility and its nearly 100-year history.
Plans to construct the hotel came about in the early 1920s after a group of local business and civic leaders determined the need for a premier hotel in the area to meet the demands of tourists.
The seven-story hotel was designed by Virginia-based architectural firm Peebles and Ferguson and was built by Day and Zimmerman, Inc. between 1926 and 1927.
The Marion Hotel opened in March 1927 with a gala that was attended by over 300 of the county’s business, professional, and social leaders, according to the NRHP.
In the 1990’s, the hotel was turned into office condominiums. Over the years, those condominiums were all purchased by Midgett.
During a presentation to business leaders earlier this year, ARK Hospitality’s Bailey said that food and beverage would be a “prominent part” of the building and that the design of the property will maintain a historic feel with modern touches.
Hilton’s Tapestry Collection hotels have their own “vibrant personality,” each with a “unique story to share that comes to life through uplifting design and unique food and beverage,” according to the hotel corporation.
Bailey says ARK is hoping to open the new hotel in the third quarter of 2025.
Just a couple of years after it opens, the hotel will celebrate its 100th birthday.
There are several hotels currently under construction or renovation in Ocala, including StayBridge Suites and Everhome Suites, both of which are in the northwest part of the city.
In March, World Equestrian Center celebrated the grand opening of its the Riding Academy Hotel.
That same month, stayAPT Suites opened a new apartment-style hotel in west Ocala.
