Opened in 1924 and later added to the National Register of Historic Places, the Ambassador Hotel at 310 West Church Street once sat unused for decades. But now, it’s being redeveloped, and it will get a new life as it transforms into the new Hotel Merrydelle, described in coverage by Develop Jacksonville as “Downtown Jacksonville’s First Lifestyle Hotel.”
Hotel Merrydelle is expected open in late 2027.
Part of this project, it turns out, is an Italian restaurant; namely, a new outpost of Colletta, the Alpharetta, GA-born restaurant by The Indigo Road Hospitality.
“Colletta, meaning ‘collection,’ brings its signature approach to American-Italian dining to the heart of downtown Jacksonville,” says a description on the Indigo Road website. “Situated within the newly restored Hotel Merrydelle, originally the historic 1924 Ambassador Hotel, the restaurant embraces the building’s rich Georgian Revival heritage while maintaining a modern, inviting warmth. Colletta centers on genuine connection and the joy of gathering.”
“The Ambassador Hotel redevelopment reflects a broader shift toward revitalizing Downtown Jacksonville through intentional, experience-driven projects,” says the Develop Jacksonville coverage. “The project marks a major milestone for Downtown Jacksonville development—introducing the city’s first true lifestyle hotel while activating one of its most recognizable historic structures.”
You can keep up with all things Colletta by following @collettaatl on Instagram.
