Mayor Mike Purzycki and City Council President Hanifa Shabazz yesterday joined Canon Hospitality Management for the ribbon cutting of the first new hotel in downtown Wilmington in nearly 20 years.

The Residence Inn by Marriott is located at the site of the former Beneficial Bank Building at 1300 North Market Street. The project drew praise as further evidence that Wilmington is making a comeback.

"The latest Delaware Today cover story notes that Wilmington is back, and the Canon Hospitality Management group is part of a new aggressiveness and confidence which is taking hold in our City," Purzycki said. "We wish Canon and his family and company much success and thank them for being one of the new great things happening in the Downtown District and across the City as a whole. The hotel boom that began here on Market Street is continuing along the Christina Riverfront and is a sign of more good things to come."

The 96-suite hotel is designed to attract upscale clientele, offering luxury amenities such as fully-equipped kitchens and residential appliances. The hotel also includes a fitness center, two meeting rooms, and a bar and restaurant set to open soon.

"We are honored to bring this brand new upscale Marriott brand to the City of Wilmington," said hotel owner Canon Patel, "and we are committed to participating in the city's growth initiatives."