Hamra's latest land acquisition is located at the intersection of Texas 114 and Interstate 35, just across the highway from Texas Motor Speedway. In late December, Hamra broke ground for a 90-room Baymont in Lewisville. He is developing his Baymont properties under the tag of SJH Inns of Texas, but also is part owner of a two-year-old Baymont in Springfield. That 105-room venture has been developed under the auspices of James River Inns LLC. Hamra says he has more Baymonts on the drawing board.
A Baymont source tells GlobeSt.com that the Northlake-Alliance Baymont is still in the early planning stages, but it definitely will boast the chain's tried-and-true, four-story, 90-unit design as a basis, allowing for interior changes. The Northlake-Alliance Baymont will be positioned on 2-1/2 acres, which recently has been bought from an unidentified developer. It's not Hillwood, says that team, although it's in the heart of their district.
The Lewisville hotel tentatively is set to open in July while the Ft. Worth facility is carrying a 2002 delivery date. Hamra is still reviewing architects and general contractors for the Ft. Worth hotel as he goes about the permitting tasks. Robert R. Shirer & Sons LLC of Brentwood, TN is the general contractor for the 50,984-sf Lewisville project, which has an interior design by Richard F. Steldt & Associates of Menomonee Falls, WI.
The Texas projects will boast Baymont's re-branding, announced just 12 days ago, in a bid to become one of the nation's leading mid-scale, limited-service hotel chains. "We believe reaching this threshold of 200 properties sets the stage to accelerate Baymont's growth over the next five years," James Abrahamson, Baymont president and COO, says in a prepared statement. He says the goal is to have 500 Baymonts open or under development in the next five years.
Baymont's "Landmark" re-branding is being launched with a state-of-the-art prototype design, featuring a spacious lobby and large rooms with business work areas. A new business-related amenities package is part of the new deal as in-room Internet capabilities, which is rapidly becoming as much of a staple as bath towels in the hotel industry. Executive conference areas, outdoor pools and fitness centers have been incorporated into the new look. All existing Baymonts will be brought up to par with the new image by year-end 2003.
The Milwaukee-based Marcus Corp. has 200 Baymonts open or under development; seven Woodfield Suites in Illinois, Wisconsin, Colorado, Ohio and Texas; and eight hotels or resorts in Wisconsin, California, Minnesota and Missouri. Marcus' portfolio also consists of 482 theater screens in four states and 27 KFC/Taco Bell two-in-one restaurants in its headquarters state.
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