McCamly Plaza Hotel Plants to Become Hilton On Track
Things are on track for the McCamly Plaza Hotel to officially become a Hilton DoubleTree branded hotel. Battle Creek Unlimited (BCU) says that after an extensive renovation in excess of $3,500,000, underwritten by the Direct Investment Fund (DIF), the number of hotel rooms will be reduced from 239 to 179. In addition, the owners plan to add approximately 50 apartment units, including some that may be furnished as Corporate Apartments as part of the renovation. Renovations of the hotel are expected to be completed by fall of 2018.
The DIF is a revolving loan fund managed by BCU for the purpose of generating jobs and investment in Battle Creek. DIF funds are also invested in the Heritage Tower project in downtown Battle Creek.
BCU President & CEO Joe Sobieralski said, “It is tremendously important that we have a large international hotel brand in downtown Battle Creek. Converting it to a Hilton property is a proud moment for our community as we continue to work to build a brighter future for downtown Battle Creek.”
FRA Investors/NDF Battle Creek, LLC, an affiliate of Chicago based Aries Capital, LLC, became the sole owner of the McCamly Hotel in 2017. Aries affiliated companies have a significant portfolio of hotel properties across the country. According to Neil Freeman, Chairman of Aries Capital, “We are excited to bring the quality of Hilton and Doubletree to downtown Battle Creek. The new restaurant, bar, pool, fitness center and lobby will become the place to be in Battle Creek. We believe adding the urban style apartments to the hotel will bring 24 hour life to downtown.”
Since its opening in the fall of 1981, The McCamly Plaza has gone through several ownership and name changes, but it has always remained a staple in Battle Creek. Battle Creek Unlimited is proud to play a role in continuing that heritage.