Luxury hotel company to develop Grand Bohemian in Lane Parke

On Nov. 2, luxury hotel developer The Kessler Collection announced its plans to add Mountain Brook to its short list of destinations. The company, known for its portfolio of 10 upscale boutique hotels and restaurants, has agreed to assist in the development of the new Grand Bohemian Hotel that will be part of the Lane Parke development in Mountain Brook.

According to a Kessler release, the 100-room hotel will feature an on-site art gallery, Kessler signature Poseidon Spa, meeting and event space and vibrant rooftop bar and restaurant within the planned 28-acre Lane Parke development initiated by Evson, Inc.

Kessler will partner with Evson, which, under the leadership of John Evans and his father, Rele Evans, owns and manages the 58 year-old Mountain Brook Shopping Center and adjacent Park Lane apartment complex. The development will include a third partner, Daniel Corporation of Birmingham, which Evson brought in to oversee construction of a modern apartment complex and commercial, retail and office mixed-use development at the site.

Upon opening, according to the release, The Kessler Collection would manage day-to-day operations of the property. While plans are in advanced stages, finalized contracts and financing details are still pending.

“The Evans family is very excited to have Lane Parke as the home of the new Grand Bohemian Hotel,” noted Rele Evans, the visionary behind the redevelopment of the project. “Kessler’s commitment is an important step to fulfilling our vision of delivering a legacy project to this city.”

When complete, the mixed-use project will total approximately 185,000 sq. ft. of commercial lifestyle retail and office space, 276 upscale apartments and the hotel. Construction of the overall project will commence before year-end with some phases slated for completion in early 2014.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome The Kessler Collection and Grand Bohemian Hotel to the Lane Parke project,” said Patrick Henry, chief development officer for Daniel Corporation. “The Kessler Collection’s commitment to quality and service will provide a seamless match to the overall project and serve as a tremendous asset to the Birmingham community.”

For more information on The Kessler Collection, visit kesslercollection.com. For more on the new Lane Parke development and to bid farewell to the 65 year-old apartments, see Madoline Markham’s story in Village Living and at villagelivingonline.com.