Two hotels to be part of First Freedom Center in Shockoe Slip

Richmond, Va. --

Construction on the First Freedom Center complex, a combined hotel and educational center on one of the most significant historical sites in downtown, is expected to begin early next year.

The complex, which won Richmond City Council approval Monday night, is a joint project of First Freedom Center and Richmond-based hotel owner and operator Apple REIT Cos.

The six-story project on East Cary and 14th streets includes two hotels and an education center on the site where the Virginia General Assembly passed Thomas Jefferson's Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom in 1786.

The statute was a cornerstone of the First Amendment to the Constitution.

"Jefferson did this on this piece of ground, and from here it has radiated out across the country and around the whole world," said Randolph Bell, the center's president.

"We want the center to be a manifestation of that unique Richmond linkage to the world through this ideal."

When completed, the center will house permanent and traveling exhibits as well an auditorium and meeting space. First Freedom's mission is to advance freedom of religion and freedom of conscience.

Apple REIT, a real estate investment trust focused on ownership of upscale, extended-stay and select-service hotels across the country, will build a 135-room Courtyard by Marriott and a 75-room Residence Inn by Marriott at the center.

The hotel space will include a religious freedom library "and other features responding to the educational mission of the overall complex."

View post:
Two hotels to be part of First Freedom Center in Shockoe Slip