New Element hotel opens for business

The new Element by Westin hotel from Bryan Properties has opened for business.

Element Springfield South, located at 1100 E. Battlefield Road, became available to guests last month, according to a news release from Bryan Properties division Bryan Hotels LLC. A Bryan Properties Facebook post indicates the opening date was Jan. 18.

"We are excited about the chance to reinvest in our community," said Brad Gebhard, CEO of Bryan Hotels, in the release. "Venturing into our inaugural collaboration with Marriott, this modern hotel fulfills a crucial role in Springfield's hospitality sector."

Osage Beach-based Thomas Construction served as the general contractor for the nearly 72,000-square-foot hotel designed by H Design Group LLC, according to past reporting. Costs were not disclosed.

The 121-room Element by Westin has eco-friendly features such as decor and artwork from repurposed and recycled materials, low volatile organic compounds paint and LED light bulbs, according to the release.

Bryan Properties previously planned to develop a Staybridge Suites at the site. The company took over ownership of the property in December 2018, after the former Courtyard Office Center was demolished in 2016, according to past Springfield Business Journal reporting. Gebhard previously told SBJ a delay caused by the COVID-19 pandemic led the company to reevaluate the plans, pivoting to a hotel in the Marriott family.

Marriott International Inc.'s (Nasdaq: MAR) Element by Westin concept has extended- and long-term stay options, according to its website. Designed as a boutique concept, the website indicates rooms include kitchens. Other Missouri hotels under the Element brand are in the Kansas City and St. Louis markets.