High-profile project seeks to grab prominent flag

Don't be surprised if the new hotel that is developed in Tampa's Channel District carries a Marriott flag when it is eventually developed.

Strategic Property Partners hasn't gone public yet with the brand that will operate its anticipated 500-room hotel, part of a $3 billion redevelopment that will contain new residences, retail space, a potential corporate or regional headquarters and the University of South Florida's new Medical School Campus.

But sources say the new lodging project will carry a JW Marriott flag, a luxury brand within the world's largest hotel chain.

Marriott currently operates four JW Marriott hotels in Florida, in Miami, Orlando and, most recently opened, Marco Island, according to the company's website.

The Channel district already is home to the Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina, which Strategic Property Partners' principal Jeff Vinik acquired in October 2014 for $150 million.

The chain is named for John Willard Marriott, the founder of the company that bears his family's name.