Aperture Hotels finalized the purchase of Phoenix’s Ellis Building on October 6, 2026, paying $10.3 million for the six‑story, 61,000‑sq‑ft historic structure. The deal, reported by The Arizona Republic and confirmed by the city’s real‑estate database Vizzda, follows Phoenix’s May 2026 approval of the hotel conversion plan.
The Ellis Building, constructed in 1922 and expanded in 1928, had sat unused for years after Phoenix sold it to Equus Development Corp. in 2019. Previous attempts to turn the building into commercial offices or residential units stalled amid low demand and zoning hurdles.
Aperture Hotels will remodel the interior to accommodate 95‑105 guest rooms, a ground‑floor restaurant, and a bar, all under Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio brand. The Tribute Portfolio emphasizes unique, historic properties that retain character while meeting Marriott’s service standards.
Phoenix’s move mirrors a citywide trend: the August 2026 approval of a $135 million redevelopment of the Security and Annex Buildings into a 255‑room hotel. These projects signal a broader strategy to repurpose aging downtown office towers into hospitality venues.
Preservation advocates welcomed the Ellis Building conversion, citing the opportunity to preserve its façade and architectural heritage while injecting new economic activity into the heart of Phoenix. Local business owners anticipate increased foot traffic for nearby cafés and retailers.
Construction is slated to begin in early 2027, with financing secured through a joint venture between Aperture Hotels and a regional investment firm. The hotel is expected to open its doors to guests in 2028, adding a boutique lodging option to downtown Phoenix’s growing hospitality landscape.