Aparium Hotel Group and its principals Mario Tricoci, Kevin Robinson and Milwaukee's Tim Dixon, today announced plans to redevelop the historic Detroit Fire Department Headquarters into a 100-room upscale independent hotel.

Together with Detroit developer Walter Cohen, Aparium is set to embark on a $28 million project that should transform the space into an original hotel with a deep appreciation for Detroit’s past and a celebration of its promising future.

Dixon and Aparium developed Milwaukee's award-winning Iron Horse Hotel. 

Scheduled to open in late 2015, Aparium will be responsible for the positioning, pre-opening and ongoing management of the property named The Foundation Hotel. This property represents the fourth consecutive and locally relevant hotel project for the newly formed Aparium Hotel Group by hospitality veterans Kevin Robinson and Mario Tricoci.

"Aparium is honored to play a role in the important resurgence of Detroit," said Mario Tricoci, Chief Executive Officer / Managing Partner, Aparium Hotel Group. "We are inspired to be part of making Detroit a city beyond industry – a city of ideas, verve and unmatched enterprise. We are committed to raising the bar and delivering a hotel that captures the true character and hospitality of Detroit. There’s nowhere else we’d rather be."

The Foundation Hotel, 234-250 W. Larned St., is expected to bring over 100 full and part time jobs to the Detroit market.

The hotel will include an expansive ground floor restaurant in the former fire engine hall delivering elevated cuisine in an approachable atmosphere. The restaurant will pay homage to the region through partnerships with local distillers, brewers, farmers, and purveyors. The first of its kind in Detroit, a chef’s table will deliver a destination prix fixe experience as well as serve as an incubator for up-and-coming chefs and a homecoming platform for great chefs who have left the area.

Aparium also is involved in the $28 million boutique Hotel Covington project in Detroit.