In a milestone for the Bronx, Simone Development Companies yesterday (Tuesday) announced that Marriott has signed an agreement to operate a luxury hotel as the centerpiece of Simone Development’s new Metro Center Atrium mixed-use project.

Metro Center Atrium is a 370,000 s/f office/retail/hotel complex that Simone Development is constructing as the latest addition to its 42-acre, multi-building Hutchinson Metro Center campus.

The new Marriott at Metro Center Atrium, operating under the Residence Inn brand, will be the first luxury hotel to open in the Bronx. The 125-room extended stay hotel is scheduled to open in 2014.

“We’re thrilled that Marriott, one of the world’s premier hospitality companies, has chosen this location,ˮ said Joseph Simone, President of Simone Development.