Planned conversion will transform century-old property into 100-room Tribute Portfolio by Marriott boutique hotel
PHOENIX (October 2026) — Aperture Hotels, an Atlanta-based hotel management and development company, announced today the closing of its acquisition of The Ellis, a historic six-story building in downtown Phoenix. The property, located at 135 N. Second Ave., will be converted into a 100-room boutique hotel under Marriott's Tribute Portfolio brand, with an anticipated opening in 2027.
Originally constructed in 1922 and expanded in 1928, The Ellis has been a fixture of downtown Phoenix for more than a century. The planned conversion will preserve the building's historic character while introducing a new hospitality experience designed for business travelers, convention attendees and leisure visitors.
"The Ellis is exactly the kind of opportunity that excites us," said Charles Oswald, president and CEO of Aperture Hotels. "It has a distinctive history, a terrific downtown location and the potential to become a destination in its own right. We're looking forward to giving this building a new chapter while preserving the character that makes it special."
The approximately 58,000-square-foot property will feature 100 guest rooms and multiple food and beverage venues, including a ground-floor restaurant and speakeasy-inspired bar. As part of Marriott's Tribute Portfolio, The Ellis is envisioned as an independent-minded boutique hotel that reflects the character of its neighborhood while offering guests access to Marriott Bonvoy and Marriott's global reservations network.
Located at the intersection of Second Avenue and Monroe Street, The Ellis is within walking distance of the Phoenix Convention Center, Orpheum Theatre, Arizona Financial Theatre, Chase Field and the Phoenix Suns' arena. The property also offers convenient access to the Roosevelt Row Arts District, downtown restaurants and nightlife, Valley Metro light rail and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
The acquisition represents a significant step in the property's transformation following several previous redevelopment concepts. Aperture Hotels is working with Acumen Development Partners on the adaptive reuse project, drawing on the companies' experience in hospitality development and historic building conversions.
"Downtown Phoenix has an incredible mix of business, entertainment, arts and culture, and we see an opportunity to create a hotel that connects guests to all of it," Oswald said. "Our goal is to deliver a property that feels genuinely connected to Phoenix and contributes to the continued evolution of downtown."
The Ellis will join Aperture Hotels' growing portfolio of branded and independent properties across the United States.
About Aperture Hotels
Aperture Hotels is an Atlanta-based hotel management company specializing in compact full-service, extended-stay and lifestyle properties. The company manages a diverse portfolio of branded and independent hotels across urban, suburban and leisure markets, including properties affiliated with Marriott, Hilton, IHG and Hyatt.
Guided by its core values of trust, transparency, innovation and value creation, Aperture Hotels combines operational expertise, data-driven decision-making and a commitment to exceptional guest experiences.
For more information, visit www.aperturehotels.com.
.png)
