Rectangular swimming pool lined with lounge chairs with tan cushion, tan umbrellas, looking at a dark wood pergola

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DLR Group Celebrates Record Number of Hospitality Milestones

(MINNEAPOLIS, March 7, 2024) – Over the past year, DLR Group celebrated a record number of milestones with six hotel project completions, six groundbreakings, eight new projects in design, two leadership designations, and one new mass timber hospitality prototype to lead the future of sustainability and innovation in hospitality design.

“Elevating design with unparalleled finesse, our team celebrates another year of extraordinary success. Merging refined luxury with innovation, we’ve redefined spaces, exceeding conventional boundaries. With meticulous attention to detail and a passion for creativity, we’ve crafted immersive environments that elevate guest experiences,” Brian Murch, principal and hospitality design leader says.

Explore the highlights from 2023:

Completed

DLR Group celebrated the opening of six hotel projects in 2023, including Cascade Hotel, AC Hotel Naples 5^th Avenue, AC Hotel Jacksonville, St. Johns Town Center, AC Hotel San Rafael, Hyatt Regency Irvine, and Cambria Hotel Burbank Airport.

AC Hotel Naples 5th Avenue: The new AC Hotel by Marriot in Naples, Florida stands as an idyllic oasis, seamlessly merging indoor and outdoor spaces to provide guests with a tranquil, social retreat. Drawing inspiration from the region's majestic bald cypress tree and lush greenery, our design exudes a sense of natural serenity. DLR Group’s design strikes a balance between European sophistication and the vibrant local culture, while bringing the new AC Hotel Retreat portfolio stateside.

Cascade Hotel: Situated right in the heart of Kansas City, Missouri’s renowned Country Club Plaza shopping district, Cascade Hotel opened its doors in fall 2023. The new hotel celebrates the city’s distinct culture and seamlessly connects travelers to the lively urban streetscape. The materiality of the guestrooms plays between refined and unfinished materials, art, and colors to create contrast and an unexpected guest experience.

Breaking Ground

Construction is underway for five hospitality properties ranging from new construction and expansion to renovations and brand expansion to renovations and brand refreshes. Projects include Q Casino & Resort, Grand Island Casino Resort at Fonner Park, Hilton Jacksonville Mayo Clinic, The Benjamin Royal Sonesta Hotel in New York City, and the Crawford Hotel at Denver Union Station.

Q Casino & Resort: The newly expanded Q Casino & Resort will serve as an entertainment and gaming hub for family, community, tourism, and experience. Improvements include a modernized casino and sportsbook, an all-new inclusive entertainment venue, boutique hotel with rooftop restaurant, bar and event space, and meeting spaces.

Rendering of a multi-story hotel with bright lights, sunny sky, and parking lot filled with cars

Grand Island Casino Resort at Fonner Park: Designed by DLR Group in partnership with Elite Casino Resorts, a new world-class casino and hotel is underway at historic Fonner Park. The casino resort will soon feature a show lounge, expansive casino area, sports book, a rooftop restaurant, and a 162-key hotel with a full-service salon, spa, and indoor-outdoor pool.

Hilton Jacksonville Mayo Clinic: Residing on the world-renowned Mayo Clinic Florida campus, the Hilton Hotel in Jacksonville, Florida will soon provide visitors, patients, and travelers to the area with a tranquil home away from home. The new hotel is expected to open in early 2025 and will feature 252 keys, a restaurant, and an event space with an outdoor terrace and pool oasis.

Coming Soon

A number of high-end luxury and lifestyle hospitality projects are currently in progress, including a remarkable mixed-use development district coming to the bountiful region of Abha in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This development, called The Point, will showcase two innovative hotel concepts, including the Hilton Canopy at The Point and Hilton Residences at The Point. Additionally, the firm is actively working on design concepts for the Austin Dual-Brand Hotel, the first new construction high rise hotel in Austin, Texas, and the tallest hotel project in DLR Group’s portfolio. Other projects in progress include Gravel Point Resort, Waikiki Malia, Kimpton Monaco Seattle Hotel, The Gunter Hotel, and The Former House, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel by Marriott.

Hilton Canopy at The Point: The new property beckons travelers, wanderers, and collectors who seeking an immersive experience of the remarkable Abha region where the rich history, local traditions, and natural beauty of the city are celebrated at every turn. Drawing inspiration from its surroundings, the 150-key property features locally inspired color palette, unique art, dynamic patterns, and the use of natural materials.

A beautifully designed hotel lobby with elegant furnishings and a welcoming atmosphere. A centerpiece light fixture cascading down from the ceiling, green live plants decorate the lobby.

Hilton Residences at The Point: Featuring apartment-style rooms for extended-stay guests, DLR Group’s modern, elegant, and curated design approach transcends a rocky garden capturing the essence of Abha while crafting a luxurious, serene living experience.

Leadership Growth

The firm elevated Henrique Dias to Middle East Hospitality Director, leading the Dubai design studio and further expanding our presence in the Middle East. Additionally, Pipa Bradbury has moved into a new leadership role as an Interior Design Leader, working alongside DLR Group’s integrated design teams to elevate our interior design services across the United States. As the firm embarked on 2024, it announced the integration of luxury interiors firm BraytonHughes Design Studios into DLR Group. BraytonHughes brings new luxury hospitality, resort, and residential project types to DLR Group.

Reimaging Hospitality Design through Mass Timber

In partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, DLR Group took the design of a mass timber hotel into a complete concept in 2023, documenting the research journey and concept into a comprehensive white paper. Backed by the necessary code and user experience research, DLR Group’s vision for a more sustainable future in hospitality building types came to life. Additionally, DLR Group was recognized as a Responsible Disruptor by Metropolis Magazine. The award honors projects representing positive change, or disruption, encouraging healthy innovation in architecture and design.

“Our portfolio showcases bespoke solutions that seamlessly blend aesthetics and functionality, setting new industry standards. This remarkable year underscores our dedication to pushing design boundaries and leaves an indelible mark on the hospitality landscape and we look forward to what the new year brings.” Murch says.