New Fairfield hotel coming to Benchmark site Downtown

A new Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott is moving forward on the Downtown Memphis corner occupied by the former Benchmark hotel.

Atlanta-based hotel management firm Hotel Equities this week announced its selection by hotel developers, Goodlettsville-based EPIQ Hotels Inc. and MNR Hospitality LLC.

The developers are in final stages of construction bidding, with Hotel Equities' assistance, and anticipate opening in the April-to-June quarter of 2018.

“We are excited to bring a trusted and popular Marriott brand to an integral part of Downtown Memphis under top-notch management by Hotel Equities,” said B. Patel, president of EPIQ Hotels.  “We look forward to being a part of the Downtown community.”

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Joe Reardon, vice president of business development and marketing for Hotel Equities, said, “We see great potential for this beautiful new hotel in a well-connected and thriving area of Downtown Memphis."

"We are pleased to expand our management portfolio with the addition of a unique, purpose-built property in Downtown Memphis," Reardon added. "We understand the Memphis market well and have much experience here. Our award-winning guest service and management expertise will deliver value to our owner and guests alike.”

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The development will include a signature bar and restaurant on the northwest corner of Union and B.B. King Boulevard, facing AutoZone Park.

Plans call for the latest prototype of Fairfield Inn & Suites with a design that "supports guest productivity and well-being" and includes "smart spaces" and health-conscious food options, according to a news release from Hotel Equities.

The 124-room Benchmark closed in 2011.

The 1958 building across from The Peabody has been gutted and left as a shell since MNR Hospitality bought the property in 2012.

The project appeared stalled by financing issues earlier this year after the Downtown Memphis Commission moved to curb incentives for smaller, limited service hotels that have proliferated Downtown.
The commission and Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau believe incentives should be reserved for larger, full-service hotels that help attract more convention and meeting business to the city.