Raines, a hospitality management, development and investment company, has been selected to manage the 114-room AC Hotel Downtown Little Rock, a Marriott-branded property in downtown Little Rock, Ark., near the River Market District.
The hotel is located at 201 W. Capitol Avenue and occupies the Hall and Davidson buildings within downtown Little Rock’s Capitol-Main Historic District. The property includes a fitness center, meeting space and the AC Lounge, an on-site bar and restaurant.
“AC Hotel Downtown Little Rock has a strong sense of place, from its historic architecture to its location near one of the city’s most vibrant districts,” said Kerry Ranson, president of operations and partner. “Our goal is to build on that character and create an experience that feels connected to downtown Little Rock. Food and beverage will be central to that vision, with thoughtful programming at the AC Lounge designed to enhance the stay for travelers and create a welcoming gathering place for the local community. We’re excited to work with the hotel team to bring that vision to life.”
Raines plans to introduce programming at the AC Lounge and said it sees an opportunity to activate the property’s 5,000 square feet of retail-level meeting space for events, conferences, business gatherings and pop-ups.
The River Market District, along the Arkansas River, developed through a downtown revitalization effort that converted riverfront and warehouse areas into a mixed-use neighborhood. It connects to Riverfront Park and the Clinton Presidential Library.
The property’s adaptive reuse and lifestyle positioning relate to Raines’ operation of other properties through its Woven division, including Hotel Florence and The Foundry Hotel. The company cited its existing presence in Little Rock and its Southeast footprint as factors in its selection.
The addition brings Raines’ portfolio to 50 properties and 5,393 keys.