As reported in HospitalityNet, Retreat Hotels & Resorts (“Retreat”), the Georgia Agricultural Exposition Authority (“GAEA”), and the City of Perry, GA announced the start of construction of a new TownePlace Suites / Fairfield by Marriott dual-branded hotel on the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter (“Fairgrounds”) in Perry, GA. The hotel is expected to open in the summer of 2025.
The planned 129-key hotel features two brands under one roof, with 66 TownePlace Suites by Marriott keys and 63 Fairfield by Marriott keys. The property will be connected via an air-conditioned corridor to the adjacent conference center, the Miller Murphy Howard Center. Other amenities include a large pool, fitness center, guest laundry, bar, and restaurant.
The hotel is affiliated with Marriott, which is the largest hotel franchisor in the world. The TownePlace Suites is one of Marriott’s extended stay brands which caters to longer-term guests, whether that be individuals, families, or Fairground attendees. The Fairfield by Marriott brand is Marriott’s second-largest brand, with more than 124,000 keys globally, across 1,253 properties. Drawing inspiration from the Marriott family’s retreat, The Fairfield Farm, this brand places emphasis on simplicity, and caters to leisure and business travelers. This is the first Marriott in the Perry market, and the only Marriott hotel within a 15-mile radius.
Exterior rending of the TownePlace Suites / Fairfield by Marriott at the Georgia National Fairgrounds
The Fairgrounds are run by the by the GAEA, a state-appointed authority. The GAEA was created in 1985, through legislation, and was tasked with creating a facility to showcase Georgia’s agriculture/agribusiness, promote youth agricultural events and achievements, and provide a center for diverse activities to benefit the state economy such as the Georgia National Fair. The Fairgrounds hosts more than 200 events per year, with approximately one million visitors. The hotel site abuts I-75 which has a daily traffic count of approximately 65,000.
The City of Perry, Georgia is an historic community that encompasses over 27 square miles along I-75 right in the heart of Georgia. The community enjoys a unique downtown, excellent schools, a high quality of life, and proximity to Robins Air Force Base. As an award-winning premier community, Perry is focused on supporting strategic economic and community development while providing quality customer service to its citizens.
The project is financed by WSFS Bank, based in Wilmington, DE. The General Contractor for the project is Foutz Brothers Construction, based in Gainesville, GA. The architectural design for the project was created by Chamberlain Architect Services Limited, based in Ontario, Canada, with civil engineering provided by Triple Point Engineering, based in Macon, GA, and interior design done by Design Continuum, Inc., based in Atlanta, GA.
“We’re thrilled to begin construction. The hotel has been perfectly designed for the environment, we have strong hotel flags provided by Marriott, and terrific partners in the GAEA and the City of Perry. We can’t wait to welcome and delight guests from Georgia, and around the world,” said JJ Singh, President of Retreat Hotels & Resorts.
“WSFS is proud to partner again with the team at Retreat Hotels and Resorts, to provide financing on this project,” said Ron Weingrad, Senior Vice President of WSFS Bank. “This hotel is a welcome addition to our commercial real estate portfolio on the East Coast.”
“Breaking ground on this hotel is a major milestone,” said Foster Rhodes, Chairman of the GAEA. “The Fairgrounds have long needed first-class accommodations on-site to complement our robust operations.”
"We are pleased to partner with Retreat Hotels & Resorts on the TownePlace / Fairfield hotel. This hotel will further enhance the experience of our visitors,” said Stephen Shimp, Fairgrounds Executive Director.
“We are delighted to support the new hotel at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this project will have on our community now and for future generations,” said City of Perry Mayor Randall Walker.
“In addition to the development of a much-needed asset for the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter, this hotel will support economic development throughout Perry and bolster our tourism assets. We’re excited to watch this development progress and look forward to meeting new friends that choose to visit Perry and stay at this hotel,” said Holly Wharton, City of Perry Economic Development Director.