A Radisson Red hotel, the chain's latest brand, is coming to downtown St. Paul across from the Xcel Energy Center.
Minnetonka-based Opus Development Company and Minneapolis-based Greco, the joint partnership proposing a mixed-use development on the highly visible Seven Corners Gateway site, also announced Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group as a partner and owner of the hotel. The news comes about three months after Ryan Cos. announced it was building a Radisson Red in Minneapolis as a part of its Downtown East project near the Vikings stadium.
The City of St. Paul granted Opus and Greco "preliminary developer status" in October. Bounded by Smith Avenue, Kellogg Boulevard, W. 7th and 5th streets, the site serves as a primary entry point into St. Paul's urban core for traffic come off Interstate-35E and Interstate-94.
"The revitalization of this site is an important step in building on the momentum of an exciting Downtown Saint Paul," said Mayor Chris Coleman, in a news release. "We look forward to partnering with Carlson Rezidor, Opus and Greco LLC on this highly visible gateway to downtown."
The partners have until next April to flesh out details. If the city approves of each aspect of the proposal, they will negotiate for final developer status.
"Red" is Radisson's effort to appeal to the younger generation of 20- and 30-somethings now occupying a large percentage of the hotel industry's clientele. Several other brands with an emphasi on a boutique, urban lifestyle experience are being proposed in downtown Minneapolis. The developers and hotelier are proposing a 150-room hotel with a bar, deli and lounge or social spaces. The brand is said to emphasis art, design, music and fashion.
Carlson Rezidor, also based in Minnetonka, is one of the world's largest hospitality companies with 1,370 hotels in operation or under development.
