Development of a new Holiday Inn Express on 2924 West Rd. in East Lansing is almost complete. “Our target date for opening is the 26th of May,” says Doug Funk, Vice President of Development at Alliance Hospitality LLC.
“Development began in earnest, September 5, 2008, but there’s a lot of preparatory stuff [that happens] before that. We did a little site balancing, [plus] I bought the property and did all the zoning and the special-use permitting in the City of East Lansing.”
In 2007, the Holiday Inn spent $1 billion on a brand re-launch program to create a more contemporary brand image as part of the drive to increase quality and consistency across the global portfolio. The development on West Rd boasts these new qualities, showcasing the brand’s new sign, along with high-tech wireless and lighting, handmade Amish furniture and granite countertops.
Internet reservation is already active, accepting bookings from June 5 and onwards, which is the safe-zone date, and Funk has plans for future development in the same location.
“We bought a little more land than we need for one development,” says Funk excitedly. “When we get up and running, and get the money coming in instead of all going out, we plan on a second development. It’s already approved.”
Source: Doug Funk, Alliance Hospitality LLC, Michigan
Suban Nur Cooley, interim development news editor, can be reached here.
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