Danneman formally announces plans for hotel on Ogletown Road, Newark

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Screen Shot 2016-02-09 at 3.52.45 PMDanneman Hospitality of Newark has formally announced plans to build a new hotel on the corner of Ogletown Road Library Avenue in the city, with additional space for a restaurant.

The property would operate under the name  SpringHill Suites by Marriott at 400 Ogletown Road. The site was formerly used as a showroom for Newark Toyota world.

Groundbreaking for construction of this new 125-room and -suite contemporary hotel is anticipated by Summer 2016, with opening in 2016

The site,  on a busy corner on the east edge of the city,  is expected to require a  traffic study by the Delaware Department of Transportation and approval from the City of Newark.

City manager Carol Houck issued the following statement:

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“We welcome proposed projects that present an opportunity to strengthen the economic viability of the city, while creating new jobs. The project on Ogletown Road, proposed by the Danneman firm, is currently under review, and will ultimately come before both the Newark Planning Commission and City Council for approvals. Our Planning and Development Department is engaged to guide them through the formal development review and approval process.”

The hotel will be owned by Danneman Hospitality and managed by locally owned TKo Hospitality.

Best known for the  Dannemann Fabrics business,  the family has invested in commercial real estate in Delaware in recent decades.

The site was home to the original Dannemann Fabrics. When presented with the opportunity to redevelop this location, it quickly became clear it is the ideal location for a hotel and restaurant combination, a release stated.

“I have known and respected the Danneman Family my entire life and look forward to their latest significant contribution to the City of Newark and State of Delaware,” stated Governor Jack Markell. “In particular, we celebrate this project, with 30 new jobs projected, reflecting growth at the University of Delaware and Newark’s popularity as a special destination.”

“SpringHill Suites by Marriott is a highly-regarded addition to our community at an important Main Street gateway, and we look forward to learning more about this project,” stated Newark Mayor Polly Sierer.

“This unique location is an ideal fit for SpringHill Suites to capture the best of downtown Newark, the University of Delaware, and the rapid expansion of high-tech enterprises locating in this area,” stated George Danneman, president. “My family is excited to enhance the Gateway to Main Street with this award-winning hotel by Marriott.”

TKo Hospitality Management, Inc., selected to operate the SpringHill Suites, is a Newport-based hospitality management company formed in 2015 by venture partners E. Thomas Harvey, III, chairman, and founder; Kostas Kalogeropoulos, chief executive officer; and Vince DiFonzo, chief operating officer. TKo specializes in hospitality management.

“We are excited to be part of this new project in the growing Newark market, and to showcase the SpringHill Suites brand to guests visiting the University of Delaware, local attractions and area corporations,” stated DiFonzo.

TKo, an affiliate of Harvey, Hanna & Associates, currently operates The Lighthouse Cove Resort in Dewey Beach, DE, encompassing a 130 room Hyatt Place Hotel, Baycenter, Lighthouse Restaurant, and Que Pasa Mexican Restaurant; The Surf Club Hotel in Dewey Beach; and serves as Asset Manager for The Holiday Inn Inner Harbor, Baltimore, MD. Additional TKo prospective projects include five new hotels in the region.

Additional information on the SpringHill Suites by Marriott project, including a contiguous restaurant to be part of this new project, will be announced in the coming weeks.

DSM Commercial Real Estate Services of Newark has been retained by Danneman Hospitality to manage leasing efforts of the planned restaurant pad site.

According to a release, a  SpringHill Suites guest is a frequent business traveler focused on both success and  convenience.

Features  include a complimentary breakfast, indoor pool, fitness center, complimentary WiFi, business library, market and vending area, and lobby lounge for hotel guests and visitors.

The new SpringHill Suites by Marriott will be the first of this brand in the Delaware market.

News of the proposed hotel led to speculation that a fire station next door, operated by the Aetna Hose Hook ad Ladder,  might be be added to the project.

“At this time,  we have no plans, other than its present use as a fire station, stated John Farrell IV, public information officer for Aetna.

 

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