CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – It’s official: The former Riverview Inn downtown will become a DoubleTree By Hilton.

BNA Associates, based in Nashville, announced today it has signed a franchise agreement with Hilton to open a DoubleTree as part of its Riverview Square project, to be constructed next to the new F&M Bank Arena. A rendering of the outside of the DoubleTree By Hilton and Riverview Square, coming to downtown Clarksville in 2023. (Contributed) A rendering of the lobby in the DoubleTree By Hilton, coming to downtown Clarksville in 2023. (Contributed) A rendering of the dining area in the DoubleTree By Hilton, coming to downtown Clarksville in 2023. (Contributed) A rendering of the bar in the DoubleTree By Hilton, coming to downtown Clarksville in 2023. (Contributed) A rendering of a guest room in the DoubleTree By Hilton, coming to downtown Clarksville in 2023. (Contributed)

Designed by the Johnson Studio in Atlanta, GA, the DoubleTree will be a full renovation and conversion of the existing Riverview Inn, the only full-service hotel in the market, according to an announcement shared with Clarksville Now.

The hotel will feature 156 guest rooms, an expanded lobby with outdoor space, a restaurant overlooking the Cumberland River, a heated indoor pool, meeting rooms and a 4,000-square-foot ballroom. With the Riverview Square development next door, guests will be within walking distance of sporting events, concerts and conventions.

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“We are proud to be partnering with Hilton on the renovation of the hotel at the Riverview Square project,” Philip Welker, partner of BNA, said in the announcement. “The DoubleTree brand in downtown Clarksville is the perfect complement to the F&M Bank Arena as a family-friendly getaway perfect for large groups, independent business and leisure travelers.”

Also in-between the renovated hotel and the F&M Bank Arena will be a new state-funded $14 million 724-space parking garage. The Hand family, which owns the hotel, donated the land for the garage at the corner of College and First Streets, and the garage will help provide parking for the 6,000-seat arena, Riverview Square and the hotel.

“We are thrilled to work with BNA Associates and welcome DoubleTree by Hilton to the Clarksville community,” said Shawn McAteer, global brand head, DoubleTree by Hilton, in the announcement. “As we continue to grow our global portfolio, we look forward to providing guests with a new way to experience and enjoy DoubleTree’s renowned hospitality.”

The arena, which will include a Ford Ice Center, will hold approximately 6,000 fans for concerts, 5,500 for basketball games and 5,000 for hockey games. The primary tenant will be Austin Peay State University’s basketball programs, and arena booking will be handled by the same company that books Bridgestone Arena. The arena is expected to open in fall 2023.

Chris Smith is editor-in-chief of ClarksvilleNow.com. Reach him by email at csmith@clarksvillenow.com or call 931-648-7720.