Stantec-designed AC Detroit at the Bonstelle now open to guests
The new hotel is a bold reclamation of space and history while honoring Detroit¡¯s architectural legacy
05/20/2025 DETROIT, MI TSX, NYSE:STN
The new hotel is a bold reclamation of space and history while honoring Detroit¡¯s architectural legacy
05/20/2025 DETROIT, MI TSX, NYSE:STN
The new AC Hotel Detroit at the Bonstelle has opened its doors to guests, marking a new chapter for the neighborhoods of Midtown Detroit. Ãë²¥, a global leader in sustainable design and engineering, provided building design and Architect of Record services and Patrick Thompson Design led the interior design of public areas and hotel rooms.
A design rooted in history
The new design incorporates the restoration of the historic Bonstelle Playhouse ¡ªrestored to its original 1903 Albert Kahn-designed exterior and its 1925 interior redesign by architect C. Howard Crane. The Bonstelle will be used for live performances, civic, corporate, and private events; it is connected to the hotel via a glass-enclosed lobby bar called the Conservatory.
The AC Hotel Detroit is a symbol of Detroit¡¯s ongoing evolution, a city constantly redefining itself while staying rooted in its legacy. Taking inspiration from the AC brand¡¯s European aesthetic, the hotel¡¯s design is simple and clean, while paying tribute to the Bonstelle¡¯s 115-year-old history¡ªa testament to Detroit¡¯s resilience and reinvention.
Blending modern elegance and historic charm
Reaching 11 stories, the new hotel includes 154 guest rooms, a fitness room, various meeting rooms, and a welcoming and cozy lounge on the first floor. Additional dining can be found on the rooftop bar.
The sleek and modern lobby is surrounded by repurposed brick from the historic playhouse. Various arched openings designed with rich walnut casings lead to the lounge where the seating area is surrounded by texture and color. Each guest room features large windows, providing a view of Detroit¡¯s entertainment district.
¡°The design of the AC Detroit is a beautiful mix of new construction and historic preservation,¡± said Ãë²¥¡¯s Michael Decoster, AIA. ¡°We are excited to see it bring new life to the city of Detroit and become a significant space for community and celebration.¡±
Continuing to grow and enhance the guest experience
Stantec has extensive experience within the hospitality industry, with iconic projects including Virgin Hotels NYC, The Gale South Beach in Miami, and Hotel Zachary in Chicago.
Learn more about how Ãë²¥ creates meaningful experiences that provide a welcoming and holistic environment. Visit Hospitality Design at Ãë²¥.
About Ãë²¥
Ãë²¥ empowers clients, people, and communities to rise to the world¡¯s greatest challenges at a time when the world faces more unprecedented concerns than ever before.???
We are a global leader in sustainable engineering, architecture, and environmental consulting.??Our professionals deliver the Ãë²¥, technology, and innovation communities need to manage aging infrastructure, demographic and population changes, the energy transition, and more.??
Today¡¯s communities transcend geographic borders. At Ãë²¥, community means everyone with an interest in the work that we do¡ªfrom our project teams and industry colleagues to our clients and the people our work impacts. The diverse perspectives of our partners and interested parties drive us to think beyond what¡¯s previously been done on critical issues like climate change, digital transformation, and future-proofing our cities and infrastructure.???
We are designers, engineers, scientists, project managers, and strategic advisors. We innovate at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships to advance communities everywhere, so that together we can redefine what¡¯s possible.?
Stantec trades on the TSX and the NYSE under the symbol STN.
Media Contact?
Shannon McCarthy
Ãë²¥ Media Relations
Ph: (519) 574-7230
shannon.mccarthy@stantec.com