MIAMI—Virgin Hotels, the lifestyle hotel brand by Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson, marks a new milestone as Virgin Hotels breaks ground with Dunhill Partners and Gatehouse Capital on Virgin Hotels Dallas. The groundbreaking ceremony, held on location on Oct. 17, marks Virgin Hotels’ second property currently under construction, behind Virgin Hotels New York City. Virgin Hotels Dallas will open its doors at the end of 2018.
Located in the up-and-coming Design District on Hi Line Dr. and Turtle Creek Blvd., Virgin Hotels Dallas will deliver a one-of-a-kind hotel experience in one of Virgin’s favorite destinations (Virgin America has been flying to the city since 2010). The hotel will feature more than 200 Chambers, including Grand Chamber Suites, and will multiple dining and drinking outlets, including a pool deck and bar, a rooftop lounge, and the brand’s flagship space, The Commons Club.
“We couldn’t have found a more perfect city than Dallas and a more perfect neighborhood than the Design District to continue our expansion of Virgin Hotels across America,” said Raul Leal, CEO of Virgin Hotels. “We’re so excited to welcome guests and locals alike to experience all that our brand has to offer – from elevated cuisine and cocktails to comfortable and spacious Chambers for work, sleep and play.”
To commemorate the groundbreaking, Virgin Hotels, in conjunction with Dunhill Partners, threw a party for the ages, inviting key development partners, investors and the general public to celebrate in the arrival of the hotel. Signature cocktails were created by Deep Eddy Vodka and Patron Tequila, while popular Dallas-based food trucks For The Love of Pizza, Auntie Am’s and Butcher’s Son provided food options. Sir Richard Branson rode in on horseback with Miss Texas 2016 Caroline Carothers before being welcomed by the Dallas Maverick Dancers, who entertained the crowd along with the Carson McHone Band all night. After a few brief speeches, Sir Richard led the crowd in a complimentary Champagne toast provided by Moët & Chandon.
Virgin Hotels Dallas will be a new build located within the 33 acres that developer Dunhill Partners and its founder, Bill Hutchinson, acquired in 2014. The hotel will be in smashing good company as the district boasts world-class furniture showrooms, avant-garde art galleries, museums, antique shops and an influx of buzz worthy new restaurants and shops. Dunhill Partners has chosen Gatehouse Capital to develop Virgin Hotels Dallas.
