Hilton Bringing New Hotel Brand to Indy
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowHilton (NYSE: HLT) has chosen Indianapolis as one of three markets where it will roll out its new Signia Hilton brand. The hospitality company says Signia Hilton will target meeting professionals and business travelers hosting and attending large events. The 800-room Signia Hilton will be the larger of the two hotel towers planned for the Pan Am Plaza site as part of a $120 million Indiana Convention Center expansion. Visit Indy Senior Vice President Chris Gahl expects the hotel to open in 2023.
Gahl is in New York City as part of Hilton’s brand unveiling. It will also open Signia Hilton hotels in Orlando and Atlanta.
He tells Inside INdiana Business Hilton has identified Indianapolis as an "ascending market" and a prime spot for one of the new hotels. Gahl says the company based the decision in part on the volume and pipeline of meetings and conventions in Indianapolis as well as its strength in hotel occupancy. He says hotels in downtown Indianapolis have enjoyed at least 70 percent occupancy each quarter since 2013.
In October, the Capital Improvement Board in Indianapolis and Indy-based Kite Realty Group Trust (NYSE: KRG) unveiled plans to expand the convention center and add 1,400 rooms. The proposal would extend the convention facilities to the current Pan Am Plaza site. Gahl says the announcement has helped Indy retain some of its largest events, including Gen Con and the FFA National Convention.