Urban Renewal Board Gets First Look at Planned Downtown Commons District Hotel

Medford, Oregon- After years of negotiations with Western Hospitality LLC, the agency has presented updated plans for a long-anticipated hotel near The Commons District. Originally planned as a 100,000-square-foot, 5-6 floor Residence Inn by Marriott, the project faced significant delays due to the pandemic, leading to increased costs and a reassessment of the original plans.

The revised proposal now outlines a scaled-back concept: a 75,000-square-foot, 4-floor Element by Westin hotel, an extended-stay Marriott product. According to the updated plans, the hotel will feature an L-shaped building at Bartlett and 4th Streets, with a pull-off line on 4th Street for guest car check-in. The hotel will house 131 keys and include a two-story lobby oriented towards Pear Blossom Park, featuring a bar and eating area.

Additionally, the hotel will offer flexible meeting rooms designed to accommodate around 60 people and a “Scandinavian modern” interior design. The Medford Urban Renewal Agency (MURA) is moving ahead with utility relocation and is currently obtaining quotes for the demolition of existing buildings on the lot to prepare for construction.

“Our deal is largely done,” remarked a MURA spokesperson regarding the partnership purchase and incentives. “It’s really taking shape,” they added.

The Site Plan and Architectural Committee (SPAC) will review detailed images of the new hotel in an upcoming August meeting. Developers are expected to submit the final documents for construction permits to the city of Medford in November.