Commonwealth Hotels is launching a strategic alliance with Radisson Hotel Group Americas and Lockwood Development Partners to acquire and jointly redevelop nine hotels across eight states in partnership with Veteran Services USA. The alliance will develop a network of new multiuse developments such as housing, senior daytime activities and care as well as career training and reskilling resource locations for veterans across the country. The properties will be franchised with Radisson and managed by the Commonwealth team.
“Commonwealth Hotels is a growth organization and this alliance with Lockwood Development Partners, Radisson and Veteran Services USA is very important to our strategic plan,” said Bryan Hayes, managing partner, Commonwealth Hotels. “We couldn’t be more excited to be a part of this exciting plan to right-size several iconic hotels in vibrant markets while providing vital housing to veterans around the country.”
The deal will make Commonwealth one of Radisson’s largest franchisors, with the company operating and managing all nine properties. Commonwealth will undertake a multimillion-dollar renovation of the properties—adaptive mixed-use hotel conversions from distressed assets built on the Radisson Hotel Group Americas brand and development principles. The buildings will have separate entrances for residential and hotel use.
“By harnessing the acumen behind Radisson, Commonwealth, and Lockwood we are delivering on our promise to create a new standard for adaptive re-use projects by serving communities across the United States,” said Charles Everhardt, principal, Lockwood Development Partners. “This dynamic partnership we have assembled addresses the growing demand for veterans housing and senior daytime care while infusing the latest trends from the hospitality industry under one roof, providing a unique concept spearheaded by category leaders.”
“This unique concept of redefining the large full-service hotels into more efficient mixed-use facilities, with profitability top-of-mind, has been discussed for years; the vision of Lockwood Development Partners, Veteran Services USA combined with the leadership of Commonwealth Hotels has brought the concept to life,” said Phil Hugh, chief development officer, Radisson Hotel Group Americas.
Radisson Hotel Group Americas works with the USO through Radisson’s Military 1st program. Similarly, Lockwood Development Partners maintains a partnership with VSUSA.