106 Jefferson to Bring a “Boutique Kind of Experience”

The newest hotel in downtown Huntsville was designed with two things in mind: to build the city’s first luxury boutique hotel while not losing what media representative Jessica Newton called the “spirit of the community.’’

The 115-room hotel 106 Jefferson, which is part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, is merging the city’s high-tech profile with its roots. The hotel was named for its address because that’s where Huntsville Hotel, the city’s first social destination, was located from the mid-1850s until fire first took it down in 1910 and for good in 1911.

The hotel has gone up at the site where Hale Furniture was the most recent occupant.

“It’s called 106 Jefferson because when you invite somebody to your home, you give them your street address.’’ she said. “That’s our street address and it’s built by locals for locals.

“We want to be a place where people come and hang out and feel very welcome and inviting in the circumstances whether they’re coming just for a dinner or wedding or something or just a cocktail on the roof.’’

Crunkleton Commercial Real Estate is developing the hotel, which expects to open in June.

An introductory press release from Newton reads: “Firmly planted at the center of science and technology, yet rooted in Southern hospitality, 106 Jefferson will reflect the lofty aspirations and local charm of the Huntsville community, with subtle nods to its rich history found throughout the property. The sophisticated design and thoughtful attention to detail will effortlessly blend premier Southern hospitality and the Space Age for a memorable experience for travelers and locals alike.’’

With construction on schedule for the early-summer launch, Newton said anticipation was building.

“We’re thrilled to bring this one-of-a-kind experience to Huntsville,” she said. “With the spirit and history of the community as a foundation, we hope to provide travelers with an unforgettable opportunity to experience authentic Huntsville for themselves. We can’t wait to welcome guests and locals this summer.”

Curio has more than 100 hotels worldwide, most following the same blueprint.

“Most Curios have some sort of story to tell,’’ said Director of Sales Mary Beth Lewis. “So there is a little bit more of the persona of the destination where they’re going.’’

Among the amenities at 106 Jefferson are boutique-style rooms including 12 king suites, 24-hour fitness center with dedicated outdoor greenspace, 24-hour business center, valet and self-parking, room service, private dining room, upscale gift shop, event space and shopping, dining and entertainment in walking distance.

The roof-top bar and grill is named after space monkeys Baker and Able, who gained fame in 1959 by riding into space aboard a Huntsville-built Redstone rocket and returning safely. The front of the building is fashioned after the Huntsville Hotel. The ballroom is called Century since it’s been that long there was dancing on the site. The restaurant resembles an old-time parlor with European classics on the menu.

“(But) it’s more geared to where Huntsville is going and continuing the revitalization of downtown,’’ said Lewis, who has lived here for four years. “The city is alive and history is alive and the next generation is coming and we’re about to be the number one populated city in the state of Alabama very soon.

“And a lot of our travelers are looking for a luxury and a boutique kind of experience.’’