New Boutique Hotel to Tell the Story of Mount Airy

By Srikanth Kamma

(Photo credit balladeerhotel.com)

Set to open as a Tribute Portfolio in 2026, the Spencer’s Mill historic Sparger building will become The Balladeer Hotel.

MOUNT AIRY, MARCH 1, 2024 - The historic 1892 “Sparger” building on the Spencer’s Mill redevelopment site in downtown Mount Airy is set to become The Balladeer Hotel in 2026, part of the Tribute Portfolio by Marriott International. Drawing inspiration from the materials, stories, and legacies of America’s Favorite Hometown, The Balladeer will pay tribute to the music styles originating in Mount Airy, the craftsmanship of the granite quarry and textile mills, and nod to the great storyteller himself, Andy Griffith.

Within the hotel, the experience will invite guests to tap into their expressive side and explore Mount Airy in creative ways. The Balladeer might be the name of the hotel, but it also represents the guests who will write their own stories while they are here. Case in point: planned for the space is a purpose-built recording studio on-site, as well as live music in the lobby.

Srikanth and Shri Kamma, owners of Sunhouse Hospitality, closed on the Spencer’s property in late February 2024 and have already brought on a team of consultants to bring the concept to life. This experienced team includes Savvy Hotel Chic, Rowhouse Architects, IIG Design, Christman Construction, Sitework Studios, Prosim Engineering, and Cooper House. Together, the team has worked to develop the name and story of the hotel, which was approved by Marriott in 2023.

“A balladeer is a person who is dedicated to their craft, and who tells the stories of a place,” said Srikanth Kamma, owner of Sunhouse Hospitality. “We are excited to create an experience that is anchored in Mount Airy’s past and future.”

At the heart of The Balladeer is the Mount Airy community, and the hotel will work closely with community partners to create events, programming, and offerings in an effort to become a hub for locals and visitors alike. The property’s renovation will include a pocket park, on-site restaurant, and eventual event center. This comes as a part of the vibrant revitalization of downtown Mount Airy, with both the beloved Main Street and the Market Street Arts and Entertainment District just a short walk from the hotel’s front doors.

“This project is a game changer for the City of Mount Airy,” said Mayor Jon Cawley. “I am thrilled to see what this hotel will offer our local community and our visitors, both honoring our rich history and propelling our exciting future.”

Renovations on The Balladeer are currently underway and are anticipated to be complete in early 2026.

To learn more, visit BalladeerHotel.com.