Editor's Note: This story's headline was updated to reflect the brand's official name, LivSmart Studios by Hilton.
MCLEAN, Va. and KOKOMO, Ind. – Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today announced the groundbreaking of the first Project H3 by Hilton hotel in Kokomo, Ind., 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 located at 5138 Cartwright Drive and 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.
Beginning construction less than five months after the brand was first announced, the newest addition to Hilton's portfolio of world-class brands is providing a reliable and consistent foundation for the long-stay guest who never stopped traveling, even throughout the pandemic. The brand has received tremendous interest from owners and developers and currently boasts 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."
“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 a memorable event to officially kick off the construction process. 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 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 celebratory 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 core design elements from the ground up and deliver all the essential amenities long-stay guests need for a great stay. Upon completion, the inaugural property in Kokomo, Ind., will feature three signature elements that will appeal directly to the long-stay traveler, including:
Deliberate Design
Long-stay guests will be welcomed by the hotel’s inviting exterior of warm wood tones and a modern farmhouse-inspired palette with light industrial touches. Properties will also feature outdoor patios outfitted with grills, a communal fire pit and comfortable seating to make it truly feel like home.
Spacious Apartment-Style Accommodations
The adaptable layout of the thoughtfully crafted suites will provide comfort and functionality. Each will feature spacious bathrooms, ample storage space, efficient closet design, and movable, multi-purpose furniture that allows guests to utilize the space as a place to work and rest. The kitchen area is also especially important to long-stay travelers and will include a fully equipped kitchen with a full-sized refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, two-burner cooktop and more.
Nontraditional Lobby Experience
The brand’s hyper-functional lobby allows sight lines from the front desk to the fitness and guest laundry areas, as well as a simple 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.
Hilton’s newest brand will participate in Hilton Honors, the company’s award-winning guest loyalty program for its portfolio of nearly 7,400 properties worldwide. Members who book directly with Hilton have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, exclusive member discounts, free standard Wi-Fi and the Hilton Honors mobile app.
For more information about Project H3, visit stories.hilton.com/ProjectH3.
Project H3 Groundbreaking - Isaac Lake
Project H3 Groundbreaking - Ceremonial Pose
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About Hilton
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 24 world-class brands comprising more than 8,300 properties and over 1.25 million rooms, in 138 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed over 3 billion guests in its more than 100-year history, was named the No.1 World's Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune and has been recognized as a global leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for seven consecutive years. Hilton has introduced industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the more than 200 million Hilton Honors members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can't buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit stories.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
About LivSmart Studios by Hilton
One of the latest additions to the Hilton portfolio, LivSmart Studios by Hilton is a lower midscale, long-stay hotel brand offering simplicity, consistency and convenience to guests who may be traveling for weeks or months at a time. LivSmart Studios hotels create a space where guests can seamlessly maintain their daily routines while also immersing themselves in the local community. Each property will feature a streamlined public area filled with natural light that includes a simple retail market, a large guest laundry room and a state-of-the-art fitness center. There will also be a spacious outdoor gathering area, which includes a fire pit, grills, and comfortable seating for guests looking to connect. Guest studio suites include a fully equipped kitchen with a full-sized refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, and two-burner cooktop, along with ample storage options for the long-stay traveler. LivSmart Studio’s pioneering vision for transforming the extended-stay segment is credited with Hilton’s recognition as one of Fast Company’s 2024 Most Innovative Companies. Learn more about LivSmart Studios at stories.hilton.com/livsmartstudios.