STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS TO OPEN ALOFT DURHAM DOWNTOWN

DURHAM, N.C. — Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide will break ground later this year on the 134-room Aloft Durham Downtown, located at the intersection of Blackwell and Vivian streets in the city's American Tobacco Historic District. The hotel will be a key component of the district, which launched a redevelopment and restoration project in 2004 to transform the American Tobacco Co.'s campus into a mixed-use property. Aloft Durham Downtown will feature a pool, bar, 24-hour gym, private parking and 2,230 square feet of meeting space. Davidson & Jones will own the hotel, which is scheduled to open in May 2015. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide operates more than 75 Aloft hotels in 14 countries. The Aloft brand offers a tech-forward, vibrant experience and a modern style.