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What's under construction near River Park? It’ll be 1st of its kind in Central Valley

By Bryant-Jon Anteola The Fresno Bee

A new hotel is being built in the area just east of River Park in Fresno — with a dual brand expected to offer a more luxurious experience on one side and a comfortable and eco-friendly environment on the other side.

Construction to build the first AC/Element Marriott in the central San Joaquin Valley is ongoing on the north side of Nees Avenue between Highway 41 and Fresno Street.

The hotel is expected to be four stories and 108,039 square feet in size to accommodate 195 guest rooms, and a small pool/outdoor area, as well as a rooftop deck.

The property consists of 3.47 acres.

The AC hotel is described to combine elegant, purposeful design with contemporary aesthetic and European sophistication “to offer guests a stylish and welcoming atmosphere.”

The AC hotel in Sacramento, for example, has a clean and simple and luxurious look throughout the hotel and features a classy looking lounge.

The Element Marriott side of the upcoming River Park-area hotel is expected to cater to extended stays, offering more spacious suites equipped with a kitchen.

Element Marriotts are also known for offering 24-hour fitness centers, bike-sharing and complimentary breakfasts. In addition, the hotel takes into account water conservation and ways to reduce its carbon footprint, including by offering vehicle charging stations.

The hotel is expected to be completed in late 2027 or early 2028.

Approximately 30-34 full-time employees and 23-26 part-time workers are expected to be hired for the new hotel.

Construction grading is going on in an empty lot east of Freeway 41 on the north side of Nees Avenue near the River Park shopping center in north Fresno on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026. Another lot, left, looks to be awaiting construction work as well.
Construction grading is going on in an empty lot east of Freeway 41 at Nees Avenue near the River Park shopping center to build a new hotel in northeast Fresno. The hotel, a dual-brand AC/Element Marriott, will be four stories high, approximately 108,039 square feet in size and will feature 195 guest rooms. The hotel is expected to be completed sometime at the end of 2027 or early 2028. CRAIG KOHLRUSS ckohlruss@fresnobee.com
Construction grading is going on in an empty lot east of Freeway 41 at Nees Avenue near the River Park shopping center in north Fresno on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026.
Construction grading is going on in an empty lot east of Freeway 41 at Nees Avenue near the River Park shopping center to build a new hotel in northeast Fresno. The hotel, a dual-brand AC/Element Marriott, will be four stories high, approximately 108,039 square feet in size and will feature 195 guest rooms. The hotel is expected to be completed sometime at the end of 2027 or early 2028. CRAIG KOHLRUSS ckohlruss@fresnobee.com
Construction grading is going on in an empty lot east of Freeway 41 on the north side of Nees Avenue in north Fresno on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026. Another lot, below, looks to be awaiting construction work as well.
Construction grading is going on in an empty lot east of Freeway 41 at Nees Avenue near the River Park shopping center to build a new hotel in northeast Fresno. The hotel, a dual-brand AC/Element Marriott, will be four stories high, approximately 108,039 square feet in size and will feature 195 guest rooms. The hotel is expected to be completed sometime at the end of 2027 or early 2028. CRAIG KOHLRUSS ckohlruss@fresnobee.com

This story was originally published February 6, 2026 at 4:52 PM.

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