Largo, MD, Nov. 7, 2017 - Yesterday, business leaders, politicos, real estate professionals and hotel executives from around the region came out to congratulate Evens Charles, the President and CEO of Frontier Development, on his latest development project in Prince George's County. By late 2018, a new Homewood Suites by Hilton will become a part of the 'Downtown Largo' hospitality offerings. Yesterday marked the official groundbreaking ceremony for this $20 million project, and Mr. Charles' second hotel in the County. This was welcomed news to well-wishers who included County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III, County Council Chair Derrick L. Davis, State Senator Joanne C. Benson and other top County leaders.
"Since the day we indicated that we wanted to build "Downtown Largo' and make it a hub for healthcare, the business community has responded by bringing new housing, restaurants, retail and hotels like this exciting new Homewood Suites to the area," said Baker. "We are creating $7 million to $8 billion in development within the 500 square miles of Prince George's County. It is exciting to watch Largo transform into the downtown area we envisioned, and I want to thank Evens Charles and the Frontier Development and Hospitality Group for bringing Homewood Suites to Prince George's County."
The new Homewood Suites by Hilton will be comprised of 116 suites and 2,700 square feet of flexible meeting space, with the County providing $1.5 million in Economic Development Incentive Funds. This $20 million project is expected to create 41 new hospitality jobs.
Mr. Charles thanked the more than 100 supporters, which included Delegate Darryl Barnes, County State's Attorney Angela Alsobrooks, Council Member Andrea Harrison, EDC President and CEO Jim Coleman, Prince George's Chamber of Commerce President David Harrington, and D.C. Council Member Kenyan McDuffie, who attended the groundbreaking ceremony. He also expressed his appreciation to Bill Fortier, the Senior Vice President of Development Americas at Hilton Worldwide for the Hilton organizations support.
"I have had a great joy in doing business in Prince George's County," said Charles. "Everyone has been so hospitable and supportive. We are fortunate to be in a sell market where there is significant economic growth happening here. There is a new regional hospital coming, metro accessibility, retail and residential development, and entertainment that is merging into this live, work and play 'Downtown Largo'. Out of any other places that I have done business, this is my favorite, by far."
EDC President and CEO Jim Coleman was proud to be one of the partners that provided financial assistance to the project.
"At the EDC, we are stewards of County Executive Baker's vision for providing meaningful financing options to businesses," said Coleman. "When we saw the job growth and economic impact of this project, we had to get in on the action by investing $1.5 million. Evens Charles is the epitome of the American Dream. He started from humble beginnings and is now the principal of a hospitality development group that's making a difference in Prince George's County!"
'Suite' new development breaks ground in 'Downtown Largo'