Holiday Inn by BHM airport to begin massive revitalization under new ownership

The Birmingham City Council has officially cleared the path for a big-ticket hotel revitalization project near the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport. 

At Tuesday’s meeting, the council voted to approve a liquor license transfer to new ownership, marking a turning point for the Holiday Inn located at 5000 Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard North.

The site, currently a described as a “distressed” Holiday Inn, is set to undergo an extensive 24-to-30-month transformation into a modernized, dual-branded Holiday Inn and Candlewood Suites.

Eliminating blight at the ‘city’s gateway‘

The approval follows a glowing recommendation from the Public Safety Committee, where city leaders praised the new owners for taking on a site commonly referred to as “blighted.” 

Councilor Hunter Williams, chair of the Economic Development Committee, celebrated the commitment to turning the property around, noting that its current state is a significant concern for the area.

“This approval is part of a larger effort to transform one of the blighted properties along Messer-Airport Highway. That corridor serves as a critical gateway to Birmingham and helps shape the first impression for visitors flying into BHM. 

“This is one of several strategic steps that yield a dual-branded hotel and return this property to productive use on the tax rolls. This is exactly the kind of strategic reinvestment that strengthens our economic foundation.”

Hunter Williams

Long-term vision to better serve Birmingham

Regional ownership group Triad Property Management acquired the hotel in January 2026, which was represented by Director of Development Mayur Desai at the initial hearing. The redevelopment plan, Desai said, focuses on:

• Expansion: Introducing an “extended stay” suite component through the Candlewood Suites brand
• Upgrades: Significant capital investment to modernize the building and introduce advanced safety amenities
• Community Pride: Reestablishing the hotel as a premier destination at the city’s gateway

“We feel proud to be at the gateway of the city. As you know, we’re located just a few feet from the airport, and we want to serve our community proud.”

Mayur Desai

Broad support for the project

The Woodlawn Neighborhood Association previously reviewed the plans and offered its full support with zero opposition, mirroring the sentiment of the council. 

Additionally, city departments — including Zoning, Tax and Revenue and the Birmingham Police Department — all confirmed the project and its owners are in good standing.

With the liquor license secured for the Steel City Bar and Grill’s new management, Tulip BHM Hospitality, LLC, the developers are now set to move forward with the next phases of the project.

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