New Downtown Medford Hotel Plans Finalized for Review

This is part of Medford Alert’s continuing coverage of this project. Here are links to previous articles regarding this development.

• $25-Million Downtown Hotel Project Moves Forward

• New Downtown Hotel Architectural Aspects to Be Presented at Meeting

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

• Costs Soar as Proposed Downtown Marriott Hotel Project Languishes

Medford, Oregon– Plans for a new downtown hotel are moving forward as the City of Medford Planning Department prepares to review the latest renderings at its scheduled meeting on January 15, 2025. The proposed Element Hotel will be a four-story, 86,000-square-foot structure located just north of the Pear Blossom Park block near The Commons. As a comparison, the nearby Lithia headquarters building is approximately 74,000-square-feet in size.

The site, previously home to older retail buildings that have since been demolished, is now build-ready and fenced off in preparation for construction. The building, at approximately 60 feet tall, will occupy a corner lot at Bartlett and Fourth Streets, covering a 2.77-acre site.

Project Details

The Element Hotel is classified as Type V-A construction and will feature 134 guest rooms alongside several amenities. These include an outdoor patio, pool, spa, fitness room, meeting spaces, lounges, dining areas, and a bar. Back-of-house facilities will support mechanical, electrical, and plumbing needs.

The design emphasizes a blend of regional influences and contemporary aesthetics, aiming to provide a sustainable and welcoming environment. The façade integrates materials such as black brick, high-pressure compact laminate (HPL) panels, wood-textured fiber cement, and white exterior insulation finishing systems (EIFS). The design balances durability and functionality with a timeless and visually appealing appearance.

Neutral tones on the exterior allow the hotel’s branding and interior finishes to stand out. Key entry points are highlighted through scale and material contrasts, creating inviting access from both Fourth Street and the parking areas.

Previous estimates in 2024, had the project costs to be approximately $25 million.

Urban Integration

The project spans the block northeast of Bartlett and Fourth Streets, extending to Apple Street on the east and Third Street on the north. To meet the brand standard for parking, the developers have acquired additional property east of Apple Street. The plan also includes the vacation of Apple Street between Third and Fourth Streets, as well as Third Street from Bartlett to Jackson Street.

The Medford Urban Renewal Agency (MURA) is collaborating with neighboring property owners and city departments to facilitate street vacations and frontage improvements. The project aligns with the city’s vision of denser, multi-story buildings overlooking Pear Blossom Park.

Developers remark the Element Hotel’s scale is designed to complement nearby structures such as the Lithia Motors headquarters and to enhance the urban landscape of downtown Medford.

Next Steps

The January 15 meeting will provide further insight into the project’s progress. Medford Alert will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as more information becomes available.