A 310-room dual-brand AC Hotel and Moxy broke ground April 28 in Tampa’s Channel District, adding retail space as development continues to expand east of downtown.
McKibbon Equities is developing and owning the 13-story project at 111 N. Meridian Ave., which is scheduled to open in early 2028.
The hotel will include 175 AC Hotel rooms and 135 Moxy rooms, along with a ground-level café and wine bar, more than 10,500 square feet of retail space, a rooftop restaurant and bar, a fifth-floor pool deck and about 6,500 square feet of event space.
Coastal Construction is serving as general contractor, while McKibbon’s affiliated companies will manage construction and operations.
The project adds lodging capacity near Water Street Tampa and other downtown destinations, where hotel development has followed new residential, office and entertainment investment. The site sits within walking distance of the Tampa Convention Center, Port Tampa Bay, Benchmark International Arena, Sparkman Wharf and the Florida Aquarium.
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“Water Street and Channel District are truly at the center of Tampa’s growth,” J.B. McKibbon, president of McKibbon Equities, said in a statement. “We’re excited to contribute to the area’s evolution and the increasing demand for lifestyle-driven hospitality experiences.”
The dual-brand structure reflects a strategy to capture different segments. AC Hotels focus on business and international travelers with a design-driven approach, while Moxy targets a younger, social-oriented customer. Together, the brands allow the property to serve multiple segments while sharing amenities and costs.
The ground-floor retail is expected to activate the streetscape beyond the hotel. SRS Real Estate Partners will handle leasing, with a focus on tenants that serve both guests and the surrounding neighborhood.
The project reflects McKibbon’s long-standing presence in the Tampa Bay market. The company, marking its 100th anniversary this year, continues to expand as hotel demand follows population growth and tourism.
“Pairing the AC Hotel and Moxy brands was a very intentional decision,” McKibbon said. “We focused on creating food and beverage experiences that meet the needs of modern travelers.”
McKibbon Places is managing development, with Lindsay Pope Brayfield & Associates serving as architect and The Society leading interior design. McKibbon Hospitality, which is based in Tampa, will operate the property, adding to its existing portfolio of hotels across the region.
The project adds to the Channel District’s shift from industrial uses to a mixed-use neighborhood anchored by residential, hospitality and retail development.
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