Scott Stinebaugh is on the ground floor of one of the most influential projects in downtown Detroit. His new job is director of sales and marketing for the JW Marriott Detroit Water Square, which will connect to the city’s premier convention center, Huntington Place. With 600 guest rooms, 45 suites, and just under 54,000 square feet of meeting space, the hotel will elevate Detroit’s ability to compete for some of the largest events out there. It’s targeted for completion in early 2027.
M+E: Would you say your new job is the cherry on top of an illustrious career launching key properties?
SS: It will be my third opening. I was the first associate on The Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport attached to the Delta terminal at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport. The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit was the second opening. This will be the third. If I had to stand back and pick a project that would be exciting for me, this is it.
M+E: Tell us more about the new property.
SS: This hotel is going to have almost 15,000 square feet of dedicated wellness space that includes a 3,500-square-foot movement studio (our fancy name for the fitness center), 50-foot indoor lap pool, and full-service spa. The lobby bar has Detroit River views, and there’s an outdoor terrace. There will be a third-party restaurant on the first floor overlooking the water that is yet to be named. It’s going to be fantastic.
M+E: Why is this project so significant?
SS: It’s something [Detroit has] needed, as a convention destination, for a long time. Most destinations we compete with do have a hotel attached to their convention center. This will provide the missing piece of the puzzle and help us acquire additional business [from those who] might not have been able to consider us before. And it’s going to give groups that luxury hotel adjoined with the convention center.
