AC Hotel Opens In Restored Mercantile Building [Photos]

DALLAS, TX — All too often, older buildings in Dallas fall into disrepair. The high cost of upkeep or renovation on these massive structures stops developers from repurposing these buildings, and they often sit unattended for years. But an upswing in redevelopment has repurposed a large number of downtown buildings, and the Mercantile Commerce building at 1712 Commerce Street is no exception.

Built in 1954, the building became vacant in the 1980s. It wasn't until recent years that developers from Lewisville-based NewcrestImage began to restore the 22-story structure into the awe-inspiring hotel it is today.

Although the building still boasts a number of its original features, including the large, curved windows and the lobby staircase, the interior comes complete with 249 brand-new hotel rooms inspired by the style and textures of North Texas.

As evidenced by AC Hotel's popular hashtag, #TwoHotelsOneRoof, the building is home to two separate hotels. Hotel one, which lays claim to the first-floor lobby and floors three through eleven, is an AC Hotel. The AC Hotel is named for the chain's Spanish owner, Antonio Catalán, and boasts European-inspired amenities. Dallas is home to the first AC Hotel in Texas, although plans exist to create two more ACs in Frisco and in the Galleria area of Dallas.

The other hotel, the lobby of which is located on the second-floor, is a Residence Inn. The extended-stay hotel exists on floors twelve to 21. These rooms include a full-sized refrigerator, a dishwasher, glass dishes and a sink. Both hotels share an exercise room and a pool.

Lead image via AC Hotels, Susan Friedman, Friedman Marketing and Public Relations, used with permission. Subsequent images via Payton Potter, Patch