Mercer University, the College Hill Alliance and Macon-Bibb County announced Tuesday plans for construction of a new hotel and restaurant development on Mercer’s Macon campus.

The hotel, which is among the first of a new prototype for Marriott’s TownePlace Suites brand, is set to be completed next fall and will feature 95 rooms, all with full kitchens and the latest television and Internet technology. 

PHD Hotels Inc. of Opelika, Alabama, is developing the property, which will include an expanded lobby, well-appointed guest rooms, 650-square-foot meeting room, outdoor pool and fitness center. PHD previously developed the Hilton Garden Inn, located across Mercer University Drive from the site of the new hotel.

“We are excited about the opportunity to work with Mercer University again on another hotel project and be part of such a fantastic campus development,” said Tom Hunt, president of PHD Hotels Inc.

The hotel will sit in the midst of a two-block, $40-50 million development that will be known as Mercer Landing. This includes the 313-bed Lofts at Mercer Landing, which are set to be completed next summer, as well as a restaurant and food court near the new hotel on the site of the former Noland plumbing supply warehouse.

Sierra Development Group of Macon is developing the lofts and the new dining options. The food court is set to include Chen’s Wok and Papa John’s Pizza, and the developers are in discussions with Momma Goldberg’s Deli, as well. The restaurant and additional food court franchises will be announced at a later date.

“With construction nearing completion on our fifth phase of student loft apartments and the signing on of new businesses who sense the excitement and opportunity Mercer Landing creates, we are proud partners in taking the Mercer experience to yet another level,” said James H. Daws, president of Sierra Development Group.

Additionally, Macon-Bibb County has provided partial funding for a pedestrian bridge over Mercer University Drive connecting Mercer Landing with the remainder of the Macon campus.

“The pedestrian bridge, this development and the future rebuilding of the Tindall Heights Homes will greatly improve one of the gateways into our city. Working with our partners, we are revitalizing Macon-Bibb County’s urban core and strengthening our entire community,” said Macon-Bibb County Mayor Robert A.B. Reichert.

Upon completion of these projects, more than $100 million will have been invested on and near the Macon campus since 2011 for five lofts complexes and the hotel-restaurant development.