by Staff Report
BRIDGEPORT, CT — When the new Residence Inn by Marriott at Steelpointe Harbor opens for business, it will end a five-year drought of Connecticut’s largest city lacking a hotel.
On Wednesday, the True North Hotel Group, in partnership with RCI Group, broke ground on the project, with Gov. Ned Lamont, DECD Commissioner Daniel O’Keefe, Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim, legislative representatives, Bridgeport regional leaders and company officials on hand.
“Today marks another major step forward for Steelpointe Harbor and for Bridgeport,” said developer Bobby Christoph Jr., president of RCI Group. “From the beginning, our vision has been to create a dynamic waterfront destination that brings jobs, investment, and vitality back to the city. This new Residence Inn by Marriott reflects our long-term commitment to Bridgeport’s growth and to Connecticut’s economic future.”
The 6-story hotel will feature 142 rooms with views of Steelpointe Marina, direct access to I-95, MetroNorth and Amtrak and pickleball courts. Construction on the project is expected to take 18-20 months. The City of Bridgeport has been without a hotel since the closing of the former Holiday Inn downtown in 2022.
True North Hotel Group Executive Vice President Chris Harlow said his company was excited to bring its hospitality expertise to Connecticut. He said the all-suite hotel would provide a modern, comfortable stay with unique amenities “all within walking distance of Bridgeport’s growing waterfront district.”
Ganim cited the groundbreaking as an opportunity to create more economic growth, local jobs and development.
“As we continue our work to revitalize our waterfront with local partners, I’m proud to say that we’re not only revamping this space for Bridgeport residents to enjoy, but we are also opening ourselves to more tourism,” he said. “The development of the new Residence Inn by Marriott is a true testament to Bridgeport heading in the right direction while we continuously find ways to create new amenities for residents and visitors.”
Lamont agreed.
“This hotel will bring much-needed lodging to the Bridgeport region for travelers’ work and leisure activities, and will enhance our efforts to grow the economic vitality of our state’s largest city,” he said.