Lane Parke amenities open, moving forward

Grand Bohemian Hotel on track to open in summer 2015

Construction on the new Grand Bohemian Hotel in Mountain Brook Village is scheduled to start going vertical early this month.

Rainy weather delayed foundation work this summer, pushing the luxury boutique hotel’s estimated opening date back from April to June 2015, according to Mark Kessler, chief operating officer of The Kessler Collection. The groundbreaking for the $35 million building was held in January. 

While the hotel is under construction, Kessler’s team has been connecting with local stakeholders to determine how it can best meet the needs of the community. In late May, Kessler’s spa team visited another area spa to make sure the services the Grand Bohemian offers will be complementary to its neighbors. 

“Our message is to continue to reach out to make sure we are good partners to other local businesses, to help drive our business and help drive their business as well,” Kessler said.

Since March, Joe Saling, new regional director of sales and catering for The Kessler Collection, has been overseeing the Mountain Brook development and another Kessler property in Charleston that is under construction. He is the first Birmingham-based staff person for the Orlando-based hotel chain. 

Among other duties, Saling has been meeting with corporate contacts to share the hotel’s features with them.

“The response has been very encouraging,” Saling said. “We don’t have a product like what we are building in the Birmingham area that is going to stand out. I think the business community is very excited about it.” 

Saling noted that he thinks the 32-seat private dining room with adjoining billiards room and access to an outdoor terrace will especially appeal to businesses.

Kessler said that all features of the hotel announced at the groundbreaking are still in the works: an art gallery, rooftop bar, restaurant, sculpture garden, event space, two dining rooms, a cooking school and spa.

For more, visit kesslercollection.com.

Apartments unveil second phase

The newest phase of Lane Parke Apartments is set to open at the beginning of August. 

Sixty-six new apartment units will be available as well as the community’s swimming pool and health and wellness center, according to Leah McDonnell, community manager for the Mountain Brook Village complex. The first building of 66 units opened June 1.

“They have been incredibly popular,” McDonnell said. “We are leasing about eight to 10 per week; some are preleases for buildings opening in the fall. We are moving in about six to eight per week.”

The remaining three buildings of the complex will open in September and October and will feature plans distinct from the first two, including a three-bedroom plan. When all construction is complete, there will be 276 one-, two- and three-bedroom units.

“A lot of new people are coming into Mountain Brook,” McDonnell said. “It’s been an incredible experience to be a part of. Every day we are seeing it unfold more and more.”

The apartments feature stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, wood flooring, stand-alone showers, and gas and electric options. Rent starts at $1,530 for one-bedroom units, $1,580 for two-bedroom units and $3,000 for three-bedroom units.

The permanent leasing office for the complex is now open at 1000 Lane Parke Court. It is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 1-5 p.m.

For more, visit laneparkeapartments.com or call 443-4567.