A 31-story Marriott hotel tower rising at the northwest corner of Cesar Chavez and Trinity Streets has reached a significant construction milestone. The project, located near the Austin Convention Center, recently celebrated its structural completion with a distinctive ceremony.
The hotel will feature 613 guest rooms and is situated in close proximity to the convention center, with plans potentially including skybridges connecting the two structures. The development represents an interesting addition to downtown's convention district.
White Lodging, the project operators, marked the structural completion—known as "topping out"—by raising three Garrison Brothers bourbon barrels via crane to the rooftop. As the company explained, "Just like bourbon takes on the characteristics of the barrel and its environment, the Austin Marriott Downtown is taking on the spirit of Austin" during its construction phases.
The barrels remained on the roof throughout construction until the hotel's opening, when guests received an exclusive whiskey tasting event. The hotel is expected to include four bars and a restaurant upon completion.