From an article originally written by Mickey Shuey, Indiana Business Journal
August 27, 2021
After a year-long delay caused by the pandemic, plans for a new hotel across from Shapiro’s Delicatessen in downtown Indianapolis are progressing. This time plans move forward with a new name and updated development team.
This six-story, 130-room Residence Inn will be located at the southeast corner of Meridian and Sycamore Streets. This Marriott-owned flag will replace the plans for the InterContinental Hotels Group-branded Even Hotel that was originally announced two years ago. Deli owner, Brian Shapiro, and partners, The Louderback Group and Dora Hospitality Group, could begin construction on the project as soon as February.
Costing up to $35 million, opposed to the $25 million that was expected for the Even, the Residence Inn project will be unlike any Residence Inn in Indiana. Shapiro says the hotel will have more of an “urban format.” The project was expected to be open by the end of 2020, but was delayed significantly due to the pandemic, as well as the development team’s change in hotel flag.
The development team was able to work with Marriott to create an edgy design, all while meeting Marriott’s brand standards. Part of this design will include a rooftop bar which will feature graffiti celebrating local history, exclusively created by Indianapolis artists. The bar will be covered and will make up the hotel’s sixth floor. The capacity will be 100 people and will be able to be used as a small music venue. Oakley’s Bistro’s own Steve Oakley will be overseeing the menu for the bar.
Another new addition to this project is the Louderback Group, led by longtime White Lodging executive Russ Louderback, who has joined the development team. Shapiro says that Louderback was integral in the switch to the Residence Inn brand, which is an extended-stay hotel brand that also serves short-stay visitors.
“I would argue that no one in the country has more experience with hotel design and site selection than Russ,” Shapiro said. Louderback, who left White Lodging in January, brings a “wealth of knowledge” to the development through involvement in more than $2 billion in hotel projects. Shapiro added he was the firm’s “secret weapon.”
Louderback said that he reached out to Marriott to discuss the opportunity of the project shortly after he left White Lodging. “This was great timing and a great opportunity for us to start with such a great franchise,” he said in written remarks. “Multifamily was strongly considered, but when Marriott offered us this franchise—we couldn’t turn it down.”
A roof-top fitness center, upscale lobby, 5,000 square feet of meeting space, a board room, and a secluded courtyard adjacent to the lobby will all be included in the project, designed by David Rausch & Associates.
Dora in Fishers has also maintained involvement in the project, including the shift from the Even brand to a Residence Inn by Marriott. Dora Hospitality Group will manage the property with assistance from Louderback.
The hotel is expected to open in April of 2023.
About Residence Inn By Marriott
Residence Inn by Marriott is the global leader in the longer stays lodging segment with more than 870 properties in over 15 countries and territories. Guests have the freedom to travel the way they live with Residence Inn’s spacious suites featuring distinct living, working, and sleeping spaces. Travelers can maximize their time and thrive while on the road with fully equipped kitchens in each suite, grocery delivery service, 24/7 grab-and-go markets and complimentary breakfasts. The warm and inviting public spaces feature modern residential design allowing guests to feel right at home, paired with the added amenities of upscale hotel living. Residence Inn is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit MarriottBonvoy.com. For more information or reservations, visit residence-inn.marriott.com.
About Dora Hospitality
The Dora Hospitality Group represents over 60 years of hotel ownership and management expertise, continuing the legacy of the Dora family as hoteliers who operate their business firmly grounded in family values. They develop and operate both branded and boutique hotels, with a focus on the Midwestern United States, and are known for their personal, individualized attention to every property. For more information, please visit www.dorahg.com or connect with them on Facebook.