Charleston, SC – July 11, 2022 – Charlestowne Hotels, an industry innovator at the forefront of full-service hospitality management, today announces four new properties in development under the Origin Hotel umbrella. These four hotels join Origin Red Rocks (CO), Origin Westminster (CO), and Origin Lexington (KY), which Charlestowne began overseeing within the last two years as part of its milestone deal with real estate development company, Thrash Group. The planned expansion will introduce Origin properties to Austin (TX), Atlanta (GA), Baton Rouge (LA), and Kansas City (MO).
“One of the biggest hospitality trends we’ve seen evolve over the years is the increased desire for hotels in emerging destinations that serve as a gateway to the cities they’re in,” said Kyle Hughey, Chief Executive Officer of Charlestowne Hotels. “The continuation of our partnership with Thrash Group allows each of us to do what we do best: Thrash leads the charge on ideating and developing Origin Hotels in dynamic markets, while we create locally driven tourism and culinary experiences that meet the surging demand for immersive travel. We’ve received an incredible response to the three existing Origin properties, which has only deepened our desire to bring the Origin brand to four new destinations.”
Origin Austin Now Open
Origin Austin is now open, as of June 24, and serves as both Origin and Charlestowne’s first property in Texas. Located in the lively neighborhood of Mueller, the five-story hotel will offer 120 modern, well-appointed guest rooms and suites, thoughtful amenities including a welcome treat from Austin’s hometown candy store Lammes Candies, and sweeping views of the picturesque skyline of downtown Austin. Thoughtful add-ons cater to a variety of travelers, including prAna yoga mats and Peloton bikes delivered to the rooms of fitness fans; and those traveling with pets can take advantage of Origin’s Pup Package. The family-friendly hotel also features Kids’ Adventure Kits complete with a tent and sleeping bag for an imaginative indoor “camping” experience. Steps away from Mueller Lake Park and an array of local attractions and entertainment such as the Thinkery, Austin’s hands-on children’s museum, Origin Austin is set to become the heartbeat of this burgeoning neighborhood.
A new food-and-drink destination arrived in Austin in the form of Origin’s all-day eatery, Blue Lacy, which opened June 27. Named after the working dog breed that originated in Texas, Blue Lacy will offer a casual, diner-inspired atmosphere complimented by a breeze courtyard that spills onto the lively Aldrich Street paseo. With dishes and bites suitable for any time of day, the menu features a fresh take on nostalgic favorites. Remixed menu highlights include starters like chicken ‘n’ waffle kabobs and avocado toast bruschetta and heartier fare like the classic diner burger and not-so-chicken-fried rib eye. Four-legged friends will enjoy dedicated “For the Dogs” selections, complete with Bowser Beer and doggie ice cream.
“Origin Hotels are designed to amplify the spirit of their home cities, and no management company understands the distinctive needs of these markets and communities better than Charlestowne Hotels,” said Ike Thrash, Thrash Founding Partner. “Our hotels in Red Rocks, Westminster, and Lexington have been successful thanks to Charlestowne’s individualized approach to operations, creative marketing, tech innovation, and revenue management. We’re looking forward to continuing this partnership and working with Charlestowne as we expand into Atlanta, Kansas City, Baton Rouge, and Austin.”
Origin Hotels in the Pipeline
Adaptive Reuse
A gateway to downtown Baton Rouge, the 91-room Origin Baton Rouge is slated to open in spring 2023. The hotel is ideally situated close to the State Capitol Building, Louisiana State University, and the Mississippi River. Occupying a building that dates back to 1956 and was likely the first drive-through bank in the state of Louisiana, Origin Baton Rouge will bring a contemporary touch to the classic building through modern interior design and amenities. The hotel’s most coveted accommodations will include three top-floor suites overlooking canopies of oak trees on the downtown greenway.
Reimagined from a former office building, the 123-room Origin Atlanta will open in summer 2023. It will feature a light-filled, six-story atrium for which Charlestowne’s largest interior art project to date is planned, as well as a restaurant with glass-enclosed, mezzanine level and private dining – ideal for networking lunches, leisurely bites, or more elevated private affairs. Wrapped by state and local government complexes and close to Georgia State University, Origin Atlanta will serve as a retreat for business travelers and university visitors.
Lifestyle Independent
With a premier location on the Missouri River, the 118-room Origin Kansas City is projected to open in winter 2023. It will offer downtown views, a Kansas City Streetcar stop, a restaurant/bar, and outdoor beer garden, which Charlestowne is developing in partnership with city board officials. Origin Kansas City will be a flagship fitness hotel for the Origin brand, complete with a Bike Library, direct access to walking trails at Berkley Riverfront Park, and is adjacent to the first women’s professional soccer stadium, which is currently in development.
Charlestowne Hotels’ monumental deal with Thrash Group added ten properties to Charlestowne’s portfolio in 2020, expanding the management company’s national footprint to 50+ hotels across 26 states. Together, Thrash and Charlestowne plan to continue the expansion of the Origin brand across the country, with additional hotel openings to be announced.
For more information about Charlestowne Hotels’ full suite of hospitality management services, visit CharlestowneHotels.com.
