Oct. 02, 2012--The Marriott Columbia Hotel on Main Street is about to undergo a $10 million renovation and a change in management, according to a release.

Renovations to the 300-room hotel will begin in December. Work includes updates to all of the guest rooms and a new Southern restaurant that will feature locally produced foods and bourbons, the release said.

The renovations come at a time when Main Street is undergoing a major revitalization, attracting new retail and restaurant establishments, as well as residential developments.

The hotel recently was acquired by Dallas-based Aimbridge Hospitality.

"With a Marriott Great Room concept and an evening bar, the Marriott Columbia will be positioned as the top property in the market, boasting the most rooms, largest meeting space, garage parking and a convenient location on the revitalized Main Street," the release said.

Aimbridge also said Joel Darr has been hired as general manager for the hotel and Nancy Wagner as director of sales.

Most recently, Darr opened and managed the B Ocean Fort Lauderdale resort as opening general manager. He has more than 20 years of senior leadership with Marriott business and resort properties in Colorado, Florida and Georgia.

"We felt it was beneficial to introduce a completely enhanced and upgraded guest experience while still offering the same great value our guests are accustomed to," Darr said in a statement.

Wagner previously was the director of sales for the Embassy Suites Columbia Hotel and the Holiday Inn University Plaza in Bowling Green, Ky.

Aimbridge owns or manages more than 80 hotels across the United States and the Caribbean.

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