Aloft Hotel Plans

From “Kathy’s Mailbag 4/25/2025” – The News-Gazette

“Now that the Hotel Royer has opened, what’s happening with C-U’s other long-awaited hotel project – the Aloft in downtown Champaign?”

Doug Altenberger, a vice-president with Chicagoland-based commercial real estate firm NAI Hiffman, says “we are moving forward this summer. The new (Neil Street) Plaza is exciting and will play a big part in the hotel. We are reviewing adding a rooftop bar and restaurant. During the summer months, when all the activities and events take place, it will be a perfect fit.”

If Altenberger’s name is familiar, it may be because he starred on Fighting Illini basketball teams from 1983 to 1987. He also serves as an Illini men’s basketball radio analyst alongside Brian Barnhart on some games throughout the season.

According to the Aloft Hotels website, the brand offers “a comfortable, upbeat & vibrant environment where you can express yourself with new friends and old in our modern spaces with local flair. Furry friends are always welcomed.” The Travel Weekly industry news site says the chain is designed to appeal to “20-, 30-, and 40- somethings in search of value,” Marriot Hotels is the parent company of the Aloft chain.

About NAI Hiffman:

NAI Hiffman is one of the largest independent commercial real estate services firms in the US, with a primary focus on metropolitan Chicago, and part of the NAI Global network. We provide institutional and private leasing, property management, tenant representation, capital markets, project services, research, and marketing services for owners and occupiers of commercial real estate. To meet our clients’ growing needs outside of our exclusive NAI Hiffman territory, we launched Hiffman National, our dedicated property solutions division, which provides property management, project services, and property accounting services across the country. NAI Hiffman | Hiffman National is an award winning company headquartered in suburban Chicago, with more than 275 employees strategically located throughout North America.

About Hiffman National:

Hiffman National is one of the US’s largest independent commercial real estate property management firms, providing institutional and private clients exceptional customized solutions for property management, project management, property accounting, lease administration, marketing, and research. The firm’s comprehensive property management platform and attentive approach to service contribute to successful life-long relationships and client satisfaction. As a nationally bestowed Top Workplace, and recognized CRE award winner, Hiffman National is headquartered in suburban Chicago, with more than 275 employees nationally and an additional six hub locations and 25 satellite offices across North America.