November 2020 Update

As part of President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D.’s annual State of the University Address, a comprehensive update regarding the hotel project was provided to the campus and the community.  In the President’s address, he discussed the experience and quality that will be provided to guests and the community as part of the upscale, full-service boutique hotel.  He also noted the prominent role the University’s history and seal will play in the hotel design.  The President also announced the hotel name, The Highlander, during his November 13, 2020 presentation.

The President’s update also acknowledged a team of private companies that are working together under the strong leadership of the Radford University Foundation and JLL, including:

• S.B. Ballard, of Virginia Beach, as the general contractor;
• Blur Workshop, of Atlanta, Georgia, as the designer;
• Preston Hollow Capital, of Dallas, Texas, as the capital partner; and
• Aimbridge Hospitality, of Arlington, Texas, the largest third-party management company in the U.S., as the manager of the hotel.

Based on the guidance of the experts, including JLL, Preston Hollow, and Aimbridge, our project will move forward as an independently owned and operated hotel. Earlier in the planning process, the University explored a partnership with a hotel flag for a branded hotel. However, in recent weeks, it has been highly-recommended that the project transform into an independent hotel. Our partners have advised that the project will be stronger through this approach.  The project remains on track for completion in 2023!