For Immediate Release: 6/28/2017 7:37 am
Worcester, MA (June 28, 2017) - Representatives from First Bristol Corporation Tuesday joined with city officials and community stakeholders to celebrate the official opening of the $21 million Homewood Suites by Hilton "all-suites" hotel in Washington Square.
With construction recently completed, the six-story, 118-room Hilton is currently accepting guest reservations. Located in the northeast corner of Washington Square, the site includes property acquired by First Bristol from the Worcester Redevelopment Authority.
"We are excited to unveil this completed hotel project. First Bristol has a long track record of developing first class hotel projects and staying actively engaged in the communities we serve," commented Jim Karam, First Bristol’s President and CEO. "Here we’ve built something that the City of Worcester and the entire region can be proud of."
Tuesday’s event featured a speaking program and ribbon-cutting celebration in front of the hotel’s entrance. Many of the hotel’s design elements, including the building façade, have been designed to complement the historic transportation hub at Union Station.
"The new Homewood Suites will not only bring much needed hotel rooms to Worcester, it will help provide density in an area that connects to some of our hottest neighborhoods - the Canal District, Shrewsbury Street and Downtown. This project is just more evidence that private developers increasingly see Worcester as a sound investment. I want to congratulate Jim Karam and his team for their outstanding work on the project and wish them continued success," stated City Manager Edward Augustus.
The hotel’s amenities include 115 parking spaces, a salt-water swimming pool and extensive fitness center. The hotel will generate more than $350,000 in property taxes and local hotel tax revenues. It has already hired 35 employees and anticipates adding up to ten more positions in the coming months.
"Washington Square is integral to connecting the activities of downtown to other parts of the City," said Mayor Joseph M. Petty. "This hotel, along with Union Station, creates a hub for accessing all the activities on the Common and Main Street, the Canal District and the Shrewsbury Street corridor. I want to thank Jim Karam and the First Bristol Corporation for believing in the City of Worcester and investing in our future."
The hotel’s location just steps from Union Station, Saint Vincent’s Hospital and Shrewsbury Street’s Restaurant Row is particularly well suited for an all-suites hotel product. The Homewood Suites does not feature a full service restaurant or large convention space. Instead, the hotel is designed to encourage customers to enjoy downtown Worcester and patronize the wide array of shops and restaurants that already exist in the City.
"The new Homewood Suites is a great addition to the City’s hotel inventory and the location makes it convenient for business and travelers alike. The building offers a beautiful interior and desirable amenities for its guests while also inviting them to explore Worcester’s food scene and entertainment venues. It’s a win-win for everyone and we welcome them - and their guests - to our great city," stated Timothy P. Murray, President and CEO of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce.
First Bristol selected Worcester as the site for its most recent project after conducting market studies that demonstrated a pent-up demand for hotel rooms in the region and an economy poised for significant growth in the years ahead.
"The WRA members were happy to play a role in bringing Hilton’s Homewood Suites to Worcester. This is another project that shows how Worcester continues to work to bring private investment to our city. Investors see that Worcester is on the move and I am happy we can be part of this renaissance", stated Worcester Redevelopment Authority Board Chair Vincent Pedone.
First Bristol Corporation is one of New England’s premier real estate development firms, engaged in the acquisition, development, construction, rehabilitation and management of office, retail and hotel properties throughout New England. For more information about First Bristol please visit www.firstbristol.com.
