MCLEAN, Virginia, and KOKOMO, Indiana—Hilton announced the groundbreaking of the first Project H3 by Hilton hotel in Kokomo, Indiana, signifying the start of construction on its new studio apartment-style extended-stay hotel brand. 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.
Beginning construction less than five months after the brand was first announced, the newest addition to Hilton’s portfolio is providing a foundation for the long-stay guest who never stopped traveling, even throughout the pandemic. The brand has received interest from owners and developers and currently has more than 350 deals in various stages of negotiation.
“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 of 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 for an event to officially kick off the construction process. The moment was commemorated by a ceremony and remarks from Isaac Lake, brand leader, Project H3 by Hilton; Tyler Moore, mayor, City of Kokomo; Lori Dukes, president and CEO, Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance; and Bharat Patel, co-founder, chairman and CEO, Sun Development & Management Corporation. Guests also viewed renderings of the hotel grounds and enjoyed a reception.
“This project represents a significant milestone, not just for our team but for the extended-stay hospitality segment as a whole,” said Bharat Patel, co-founder, chairman, and CEO of Sun Development & Management Corporation. “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.”
The new brand will reimagine design elements from the ground up and deliver amenities long-stay guests need. Upon completion, the property in Kokomo, Indiana, will have three elements for the long-stay traveler, including:
- Long-stay guests will be welcomed by the hotel’s exterior of warm wood tones and a modern farmhouse-inspired palette with light industrial touches. Properties will also have outdoor patios outfitted with grills, a communal fire pit, and seating to make it feel like home.
- The adaptable layout of the suites will provide functionality. Each will have bathrooms, storage space, an efficient closet design, and multi-purpose furniture that allows guests to use the space as a place to work and rest. The kitchen area is also important to long-stay travelers and will include a fully equipped kitchen with a full-sized refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, two-burner cooktop, and more.
- The brand’s lobby allows sight lines from the front desk to the fitness and guest laundry areas, as well as a retail market, creating a safe and welcoming environment for long-stay guests looking to grab a great cup of coffee, fit in a workout, or start their laundry.
