Hilton has broken ground on the first Project H3 by Hilton hotel in Kokomo, IN, signifying the start of construction on its new studio apartment-style, extended-stay hotel brand, first introduced in May.
Operating under a working title as Hilton navigates the final stages of the trademark process, the 137-room property is owned by Sun Management & Development Corporation. Hilton’s inaugural lower midscale, extended-stay solution for long-stay travelers is expected to open by the summer of 2024.
The brand has received tremendous interest from owners and developers and currently boasts has than 350 deals in various stages of negotiation, the company reports.
“We have looked forward to this day with tremendous excitement as Project H3 is truly different from anything in the current market,” said Matt Schuyler, chief brand officer, Hilton. “This game-changing brand was created specifically to address the needs of guests who seek accessible quality in a long-stay hotel and provide owners with a cost-effective extended-stay hotel to build and operate.”
The inaugural groundbreaking for the brand brought together Project H3 representatives and local dignitaries. The moment was commemorated by a groundbreaking ceremony and remarks from Isaac Lake, brand leader, Project H3 by Hilton; Tyler Moore, mayor, City of Kokomo; Lori Dukes, president/CEO, Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance; and Bharat Patel, cofounder, chairman/CEO, Sun Development & Management Corporation.
“This project represents a significant milestone, not just for our team but for the extended-stay hospitality segment as a whole,” said Patel. “Backed by the power of Hilton, we’re confident that this brand will set a new standard for long-term accommodations, and we couldn’t be happier to plant the brand’s first flag in Kokomo.”
