Birmingham, AL, October 17, 2025
News Summary
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has purchased the Spark by Hilton Birmingham Colonnade for $11 million, with plans to convert the hotel into permanent housing for approximately 110 veterans. This strategic acquisition highlights the foundation’s dedication to providing supportive services to those who have served the nation, coinciding with significant dates related to its mission.
Birmingham, AL
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has acquired the Spark by Hilton Birmingham Colonnade for $11 million, intending to transform the 122-room hotel into permanent housing for veterans. This significant purchase aims to provide supportive services to approximately 110 veterans.
Situated at 4300 Colonnade Parkway in Birmingham, AL, the property, which was recently converted from a Sonesta to a Spark by Hilton, sits on a 2.25-acre parcel of land. The four-story hotel includes an indoor swimming pool, an on-site market, complimentary breakfast, renovated bathrooms, a lounge with a bagel bar, a 24-hour fitness center, and pet-friendly rooms.
The hotel, which first opened in the first quarter of 2025, is strategically located near major landmarks such as U.S. Highway 280, The Summit Birmingham, the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital, and the Regions Financial Corporation. One of the notable attractions nearby is the new 9,000-seat Star Amphitheater.
This sale came shortly after the property was listed for sale in January by Jack Davis and Eddie Greenhalgh from Marcus & Millichap’s DDM Hotels group. The transaction involved representation from the Marcus & Millichap team, including Jack Davis, Joce Messinger, Joseph Simpson, and Eric Webster, with Eddie Greenhalgh serving as the broker of record in Alabama.
The completion of this sale is particularly significant as it occurred just before the 24th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks, a date of great importance to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and their ongoing mission.
Aims of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation was established to honor the heroes of 9/11 and to support veterans in their transition back to civilian life. By converting the hotel into housing, the foundation reinforces its commitment to serving those who have served the nation.
Hotel Features and Amenities
- 122 rooms
- Indoor swimming pool
- On-site market
- Complimentary breakfast
- Renovated bathrooms
- Lounge and bagel bar
- 24-hour fitness center
- Pet-friendly rooms
Commercial Context
This acquisition reflects a growing trend in the repurposing of hospitality spaces to meet community needs, particularly in support of veterans. The ongoing demand for veteran housing solutions makes this development timely and relevant, helping both the local community and national initiatives.
Conclusion
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s initiative in Birmingham is part of a broader vision to provide adequate housing and support to veterans, forging a path toward enhanced living conditions for those who have served in the military.
FAQs
What is the Spark by Hilton Birmingham Colonnade?
The Spark by Hilton Birmingham Colonnade is a 122-room hotel located at 4300 Colonnade Parkway in Birmingham, AL.
Who purchased the hotel?
The buyer of the hotel is the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a nonprofit organization.
How much was the hotel sold for?
The hotel was sold for $11 million.
What are the future plans for the hotel?
Tunnel to Towers plans to redevelop the hotel into permanent housing for veterans.
How many veterans will the redevelopment support?
The redevelopment will provide supportive services to approximately 110 veterans.
What amenities does the hotel have?
The hotel features amenities such as an indoor swimming pool, on-site market, complimentary breakfast, renovated bathrooms, lounge and bagel bar, 24-hour fitness center, and pet-friendly rooms.
When did the hotel originally open?
The four-story hotel originally opened in the first quarter of 2025.
Where is the hotel located?
The hotel is conveniently located near U.S. Highway 280 and The Summit Birmingham, among other regional landmarks.
Who represented the sale?
The property was listed for sale by Jack Davis and Eddie Greenhalgh of Marcus & Millichap’s DDM Hotels group.
Why is the timing of the sale significant?
The transaction was completed just prior to the 24th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks, which is significant to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s mission.
Hotel Features Overview
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Rooms | 122 rooms |
| Amenities | Indoor swimming pool, on-site market, complimentary breakfast, renovated bathrooms, lounge with bagel bar, 24-hour fitness center, pet-friendly rooms |
| Location | 4300 Colonnade Parkway, Birmingham, AL |
| Size | 2.25 acres |
| Opening Date | First quarter of 2025 |
| Veteran Housing Support | Approximately 110 veterans |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Investigation Launched Against Prosper Portland’s Executive Director
Surge in Multifamily Housing Demand in Birmingham
Birmingham Welcomes New Home Listings This Weekend
Department of Veterans Affairs Allocates $11 Million to Combat Veteran Homelessness in Alabama
New Mural Unveiled in Downtown Birmingham
Murder Charges Filed Against Birmingham Man in Coach’s Death
Timothy Lee Williams Convicted for Murder of Navy Veteran
Birmingham Hosts Back-to-School Events for Students
Nominations Open for 2026 National Small Business Week Awards in Alabama
Nominations Open for National Small Business Week Awards
Additional Resources
- Hotel Business: Birmingham, AL Spark Sold for $11M
- ReBusiness Online: Marcus & Millichap Brokers $11M Sale of New Spark by Hilton Hotel in Birmingham
- AL.com: Hotel on U.S. 280 in Birmingham Sells for $11 Million with Plans for Redevelopment
- Bham Now: 9/11 Nonprofit Spends $11M on Colonnade Hotel
- View from the Wing: Hilton’s Spark Hotels Keep Catching Fire – Second Blaze in a Month Roundup
- Wikipedia: Veterans in the United States
- Google Search: Tunnel to Towers Foundation
- Google Scholar: Veteran Housing Programs
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Veteran
- Google News: Veterans Housing Initiatives
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
