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 Co. and Minneapolis-based Greco, the joint partnership proposing a mixed-use development on the highly visible Seven Corners Gateway site, have joined Minnetonka-based Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group as a partner on the project.
Announced earlier this week, the news came three months after Ryan Cos. announced it would build 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 coming off Interstate 35E and I-94.
"The revitalization of this site is an important step in building on the momentum of an exciting downtown St. Paul," said Mayor Chris Coleman, in a statement. "We look forward to partnering with Carlson Rezidor, Opus and Greco LLC on this highly visible gateway to downtown."
The partners have until April to flesh out details. If the city approves each step 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 boutique hotel brands 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 emphasize art, design, music and fashion.
