Construction has begun on a major hospitality development near Nees Avenue and Highway 41 that is set to reshape the River Park corridor. The four-story, 195-room dual-brand hotel will be the first project of its kind in Fresno and will include the city’s first four-star hotel along with a long-stay concept designed for business and leisure travelers.
"To see the ground moving is really exciting," River Park spokesperson Tracy Kashian said.
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Aerial footage from Skyview 30 shows crews transforming what was once a large parking lot into a full-scale hotel complex aimed at serving a wide range of visitors. Developers say the dual-brand approach will allow the property to appeal to corporate guests, families, and tourists headed to nearby destinations such as Yosemite National Park.
"You are looking at the office side of it, you're looking at the traveler coming into town and just your friends and family who need a place to stay," Kashian said.
The project will operate as two hotels under a single entrance. Guests who turn right will enter the AC Hotel, which officials describe as Fresno’s first true four-star accommodation. The AC brand, known for its European-inspired aesthetic, will feature upscale finishes and a rooftop lounge overlooking the River Park district.
"You'll see kind of from the elevation from the outside, you'll know the AC side because they are the ones who have the rooftop lounge, that comes with their portion," Kashian said.
The second component will be The Element Hotel, a brand focused on extended stays. That side of the property will include apartment-style rooms and a complimentary reception designed to attract guests who plan to remain in Fresno for longer periods.
"It's all within this area. They can shop, dine or head up to Yosemite after this," Kashian said.
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Developers say the hotel will include an oversized pool, fitness center and multiple conference rooms, making it a new hub for meetings and events in north Fresno. Kashian noted that the surrounding mix of retail, restaurants and office space makes the location ideal for corporate visitors.
"I think it's the perfect location because of what's built around it with all of river park. You have the offices behind it that will bring in the people that are corporately looking for a place to stay," she said.
City leaders have long discussed the need for higher-end lodging options to support Fresno’s growing business community and tourism market. The addition of a four-star property is expected to help attract conferences and regional events that previously bypassed the city.
The hotel is part of the broader River Park master plan, which has steadily expanded with new retail, entertainment and residential projects over the past decade. Kashian believes the development represents a milestone for the area.
"I think Fresno is going to rock it, we've wanted this for so long," Kashian said. "For us to have this in this area is going to add more value for us and the community."
Construction is projected to wrap up by late 2027 or early 2028, marking one of the most significant hospitality investments in Fresno in recent years.
Originally reported by Elisa Navarro in ABC 30.
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