FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Construction is underway on a new dual-brand hotel near Nees Avenue and Highway 41, a project that will bring a four-story, 195-room development to the River Park area.
“To see the ground moving is really exciting,” River Park spokesperson Tracy Kashian said.
Video from Skyview 30 shows work in progress at the site, where a massive parking lot is being transformed into a hotel designed to serve multiple types of guests.
“You are looking at the office side of it, you’re looking at the traveler coming into town and just your friends and family who need a place to stay,” she said.
The project will feature two hotels sharing a single entrance. Guests who turn right will enter the AC Hotel, described as the first four-star hotel in Fresno.
The AC Hotel will include a modern, European-inspired design and a rooftop lounge overlooking River Park.
“You’ll see kind of from the elevation from the outside, you’ll know the AC side because they are the ones who have the rooftop lounge, that comes with their portion,” Kashian said.
The other half of the development will be The Element Hotel, which is designed for longer stays and will include a complimentary reception.
Kashian says the mix of options is something the area has needed.
“It’s all within this area. They can shop, dine or head up to Yosemite after this,” she said.
Plans for the dual-brand hotel include an oversized pool, a gym and several conference rooms.
Kashian says the surrounding development makes the location appealing for both visitors and business travelers.
“I think it’s the perfect location because of what’s built around it with all of river park. You have the offices behind it that will bring in the people that are corporately looking for a place to stay,” she said.
Kashian says the hotel is part of the expansion of the River Park master plan and is looking ahead to its opening.
“I think Fresno is going to rock it, we’ve wanted this for so long,” Kashian said. “For us to have this in this area is going to add more value for us and the community.”
Construction is expected to be complete by the end of 2027 or early 2028.
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