RICHMOND and MCLEAN, Va. – April 22, 2015 – Hilton Worldwide and HRI Lodging, LLC today announced the conversion of Hilton Garden Inn Richmond Downtown into a full-service Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand property by the end of 2015. The New Orleans-based owner, HRI Properties LLC, will oversee the $11.5 million dollar transformation of the hotel, which is housed in the former Miller & Rhoads department store.
The historic Miller & Rhoads building was constructed between 1888 and 1909 as a one-room store and later expanded to an eight-story building in the block bound by Broad, Grace, Fifth and Sixth streets. The landmark department store closed in 1990 and reopened as a hotel and condos in early 2009. The hotel is in a building shared by Miller & Rhoads Residences, a 133-unit residential project with 111 one- and two-bedroom apartments and condominiums.
“The addition of this Richmond-based property to the Hilton portfolio marks an exciting milestone as we continue to extend Hilton’s footprint to key markets across the country,” said Rob Palleschi, global head, full service brands, Hilton Worldwide. “With its rich history, burgeoning food scene and growing business center, we are thrilled to call Richmond home and join the fabric of this storied city.”
The hotel will also gain 10,000 additional square feet of meeting/event space and will feature an enhanced 24-hour fitness center as well as a Hilton HHonors lounge.
“It’s a dramatic transformation with improvements including the renovation of all 250 guest rooms with high-end finishes and the offering of a sleek new tech lounge in the lobby,” said John Cario, area vice president and general manager, Hilton Garden Inn Richmond Downtown.
One important aspect for the hotel property, and its leadership team, is to ensure the history of the building is still preserved and showcased for the local community. “The Miller & Rhoads Memorabilia collected over the years is very special to our hotel. We have already successfully gained the necessary approval to integrate our treasures within the new design,” said Tim Stacer, director of sales & marketing, Hilton Garden Inn Richmond Downtown.
The hotel will also keep the building’s storied tradition of its annual legendary “Santa Tea” which, since the 1940s, has offered children and families the opportunity to meet Santa in an ornate, magical setting. This beloved event is held in partnership with the Children’s Museum of Richmond each holiday season. “We are honored to be leading this transformation in a building as significant as the Miller & Rhoads department store and in a city as historic as Richmond,” said Gary Gutierrez, president of HRI Lodging. “HRI prides itself on setting the standard for historic preservation of our nation’s classic buildings.”
The hotel, located at 501 E. Broad St., will remain open during the renovations.
