Construction has commenced on a new Hotel Indigo in downtown Athens, Ga., its developers, Atlanta-based Rialto Property Partners and Savannah-based Melaver Inc., announced recently. Situated steps from the University of Georgia, the new, environmentally friendly hotel will open with 130 "eco-luxury" guestrooms in fall 2009.
"This hotel is going to make a significant contribution to the appeal of the downtown district," Doc Eldridge, president of the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce, said in a statement. "Hotel Indigo's environmental and community initiatives will further the reputation of the business community as forward thinking and committed to making Athens a better place to live, work and play."
When ground broke on the new property last month, developers decided to forego a traditional groundbreaking ceremony in favor of a "green-breaking," whereby they donated funds that would have been used for the event to sustainable development efforts within Athens.
"Our goals for sustainability extend beyond the environment into the local community, which we believe further underscores our team's commitment to responsible development," Tommy Linstroth, head of sustainable initiatives for Melaver, said in a statement.
When it opens, Athens' Hotel Indigo will feature residential-inspired guestrooms, an outdoor garden lounge and terrace, an art gallery and a 3,000-square-foot Presidential Suite, as well as green features such as a rainwater collection system, an energy-efficient heating and cooling system, and a green roof. It will also feature a fitness center, a business center, an on-site restaurant and 2,500 square feet of meeting space.