What’s New with New-Builds? Two Disney Developments; More…

NATIONAL REPORT—Hotel brands are breaking ground across the U.S. There are developments underway at resorts near Disney theme parks, as well as a casino hotel. Here’s a closer look:

New Disney Resort Reveals Name, Breaks Ground in Lake Buena Vista, FL

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort broke ground on its new tower, which will be called The Cove at the Walt Disney World Swan Resort. The project brings together hotel owners Tishman and MetLife along with representatives from Walt Disney World and Marriott International. The new 349-room hotel brings the resort’s total inventory to 2,619 rooms and will have a rooftop reception space. The Cove at the Walt Disney World Swan Resort is scheduled for completion in 2020.

Radisson Blu to Open with Disneyland Access

George Smith Partners has secured a $115-million non-recourse senior construction loan for the ground-up development of a 326-key, four-star Radisson Blu hotel in Anaheim, CA. The hotel is situated within the Disneyland/Anaheim Convention Center submarket and will be one of the few four-star offerings available outside of the Disneyland Park. The hotel is being designed by GBD Architects and Swinerton Builders will serve as general contractor. The property is expected to be complete in mid-to-late 2020.

The new development will have a modern design with a focus on family-friendly amenities. Nearly one-half of the guestrooms will offer bunk beds. The property will have a 353-stall garage, an outdoor rooftop restaurant, bar and social pool with views of Anaheim, CA, and evening Disneyland fireworks, along with a coffee shop, restaurant, fitness center and business space.

Tru by Hilton to Come to Burlington, NC

Parks Hospitality Group broke ground on a Tru by Hilton property located in Burlington, NC. The 101-room, four-story hotel will be owned and operated by Parks Hospitality Group. It is expected to be complete in late 2019 and will be the first Tru by Hilton in the Piedmont Triad area.

The property is located near Elon University and Alamance Regional Hospital, and will be the second Tru by Hilton property in the Parks Hospitality portfolio. Parks Hospitality will also break ground on another Tru by Hilton property in Columbia, SC, in the near future. The hotel will have a breakfast bar, 24/7 dining option and fitness center.

Construction Underway for Hyatt House in Los Angeles

Responding to the hotel needs of patients and guests, hotel developer and operator Mayer Corporation recently began construction on the new Hyatt House LA on the University of Southern California’s (USC) Health Sciences Campus in Los Angeles. The hotel is expected to open in the first quarter of 2020.

The project is owned by Mayer Jones Hospitality, a joint venture by Bob Mayer III, president of the Mayer Corporation, and Steve Jones, CEO of Allied Universal. Mayer Jones Hospitality was formed specifically to pursue distinct hospitality projects in underserved market areas.

This five-story, extended-stay hotel will be the first Hyatt House on a California university campus, with apartment-style settings. The property will also include the “H Bar,” an on-site lounge. Additionally, the project will include 14,000 sq. ft. of retail space. There will also be an 18,000-sq.-ft. conference center, leased to USC.

Radisson Red to Expand with Texas Property

Radisson Hotel Group signed a Radisson Red in Plano, TX. The hotel is close to the Plano and Richardson area. Construction on the hotel is anticipated to begin in 2019 with plans to open mid-2020. The new-build hotel will have 100 guestrooms, along with the brand’s signature amenities and on-site restaurant, OUIBar + KTCHN. The Radisson RED in Plano, TX, will be the brand’s fourth hotel in the U.S.

Casino Property Underway in Minnesota

Running Aces Casino & Racetrack has broke ground on a new 116-room hotel in Columbus, MN. RAHP LLC and GrandStay Hospitality LLC are teaming up to operate the property, which is scheduled to open in early December 2019. Running Aces is working with architectural firm The Cuningham Group and Truline Construction on the development of the hotel.

Running Aces signed an exclusivity agreement with GrandStay Hospitality LLC in 2016, and with the addition of Running Aces, there will be 20 GrandStay properties across Minnesota.