Hotel developer selected for Main Street Oak Ridge

Here is the master plan for Main Street Oak Ridge as of late March 2015. See a larger version of the plan in the link below.

Crosland Southeast, the developer of the $80 million, 60-acre Main Street Oak Ridge project, announced Thursday that Atlanta-based MDC development group, through its affiliated company Canterfield Hotel Group LLC, will build a new 120-room hotel at the site. The hotel brand has yet to be determined, and feasibility studies are ongoing to determine which brand would best complement the Oak Ridge community.

“While pursuing ‘best in class’ operators for the hotel component within Main Street, it quickly became apparent that Canterfield was a natural fit,” said James Downs, Crosland Southeast partner. “Not only do Win Porter and his team have years of hospitality development experience, they have also already successfully developed the highly regarded Canterfield Retirement Community in Oak Ridge, so they are familiar with the community.  We are delighted with Canterfield’s decision to continue investing in Oak Ridge.”

Oak Ridge Mayor Warren Gooch said that this announcement for the property is an exciting milestone, and he’s looking forward to more details about the development in the near future.

“There is general agreement that the successful development of Main Street Oak Ridge is the number one priority of our community,” Gooch said. “This project offers a catalyst impacting so many other important challenges in our city, and having quality developers involved will help ensure its success. We can’t thank enough all who have pulled together to make this important milestone happen.”

With its 25-year facility development history, MDC is a family-owned and operated company with projects totaling in excess of $300 million throughout the Southeast United States, a press release said. MDC founder Winston “Win” A. Porter and his affiliated groups are focused on the hospitality industry, currently, and have developed and operate several award-winning Hilton and Marriott flagged hotels in the popular Atlanta “Downtown District.” Likewise, Porter is one of the primary principals in Legacy Restaurant Partners which has developed, owns, and operates numerous restaurant venues and brands throughout Metro Atlanta.

In addition to hotels and restaurants, MDC has been a force in the senior housing industry, the press release said. Currently, the company is developing and operating its “Canterfield” brand of independent and assisted living housing in Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida.

“About 15 months ago, we opened Canterfield of Oak Ridge Assisted Living,” said Allen Porter, MDC director of development. “It has been one of our most successful properties to date, being awarded the title ‘Best Retirement Community in Anderson County’ last fall as voted by the people of Oak Ridge. It has been a real pleasure to develop and operate a business in Oak Ridge. Working with Oak Ridge city officials is a great experience, and more importantly, the citizens and local business community have welcomed us with open arms. This wonderful sense of Oak Ridge hospitality is the reason we are seeking to do more projects in this vibrant community.”

The press release said Crosland Southeast has an extensive portfolio of developments throughout the Southeast. The company is known for creating walkable, architecturally appealing developments that integrate public open space where people can gather, listen to music, and enjoy the outdoors, the release said. Notable projects include:

• Stonebridge—Richmond, Virginia
• Richmond Town Center—Richmond, Kentucky
• Blakeney and Birkdale Village—Charlotte, North Carolina
• Biltmore Park Town Square—Asheville, North Carolina
• Providence Marketplace—Mt. Juliet, Tennessee
• Shoppes at Greenridge—Greenville, South Carolina

“We are extremely excited to be part of a Crosland project” said Win Porter, MDC president. “Because of Crosland’s prior success and proven track record, I believe the Oak Ridge Mall redevelopment project will be a tremendous catalyst in attracting new business and household growth for the City of Oak Ridge. I am certain this will happen, and we are honored to be part of the team making it a reality.”

See a larger version of the master plan from late March 2015 here: Main Street Oak Ridge Master Plan.