The Downtown Development Review Board on July 15 approved the exterior design for AXIS Hotels LLC’s estimated $17.6 million renovation of the historic Ambassador Hotel.
The board voted 5-0 to grant AXIS final design approval for what the developer says will be a 100-room TRYP by Wyndham hotel in the 98-year-old building at 420 N. Julia St.
The hotel also will have a restaurant and lounge.
Bryan Greiner, president of AXIS parent company Augustine Development Group LLC, said the restaurant will be a “SoHo concept” with an “industrial vibe.”
Greiner said the lounge will be a small speakeasy and wine cellar.
The restaurant will be operated by Doral-based Victory Hospitality LLC owner Mark Mughabghab.
The Downtown Development Review Board said a proposed Home2 Suites by Hilton in Brooklyn can have a surface parking lot despite its staff’s objection that it conflicts with the area’s design code.
The board voted 6-0 May 13 to grant final design approval for the six-story, 100-room hotel at 600 Park St. a joint project of Kelco Management and Development Inc. and Corner Lot Development Group.
Driver, McAfee, Hawthorne & Diebenow attorney Cyndy Trimmer, who represents Kelco and Corner Lot, said the structured parking garage required by the Downtown Zoning Overlay would not be feasible or financially viable for the 10,720-square-foot hotel layout.
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