The massive four-story concrete structure that has stood dormant for nearly five years behind Home Depot is showing signs of life again as plans are underway for an 80-room Courtyard by Marriott to open this Fall.

The gray structure that has loomed beside the Hwy. 138 bridge was originally intended to be a Best Western when construction began in 2008 and stopped after just seven months when the previous owner filed for bankruptcy, according to Conyers City Planner Marvin Flanigan. He said the structure then became the property of McIntosh State Bank and was sold this year to an unnamed company that resumed construction to repair interior and exterior water damage and complete other components of the building such as site work. 

Thomas Builders, Inc. of Athens, Tenn., is listed as the general contractors on the structure's current building permit and will handle completion of the hotel, which was about 70 percent completed when it fell into bankruptcy, according to Thomas Builders spokesperson Charlie Byers. He said the hotel is slated to open in the next three to four months.

According to Marriott's website, Courtyard by Marriott hotels are designed "for the business traveler who’s driven by success, but also enjoys the break from routine that travel offers. Courtyard is a smart, dynamic hotel that helps guests make the most of their time on the road." 

There are currently 12 Courtyard by Marriott hotels in the metro Atlanta area.