Hilton bringing long-stay hotel to Kokomo
Also, Family Service Association receives donation from Meijer; Community Foundation donates to veterans memorial
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Kokomo will have another Hilton property on Cartwright Drive in Kokomo in the near future with a brand-new lifestyle concept hotel initially labeled "Project H3" that the company has decided to debut here on the city's south side.
At the ground-breaking ceremony on Oct. 25, Issac Lake, Brand Leader for Hilton Hotels and H3 Project Lead said, "We have been looking forward to this day for a very long time ... it feels very surreal to be having a groundbreaking literally five months after we launch a brand. This is truly an historic moment for both Hilton Hotels, and our good friends at Sun Development."
The H3 concept, an innovative extended stay hotel aimed at redefining the long-stay guest experience, will be located on Cartwright Drive right across from a still unfinished Hilton property that was announced and started construction earlier this year.
Kokomo has dealt with a shortage of hotel space for several years, exacerbated by the pandemic and now made more critical with workers coming in to build the new Star Energy battery plants.
"Before we open the first hotel we started, we are breaking ground on the second one," noted hotel owner and Sun Management CEO Bharat Patel, "With Kokomo we have a special bond."
President and CEO of the Greater Kokomo Chamber of Commerce Lori Dukes said, "It has been said that it all starts with a visit, and that known connection between visitors, businesses, and residents has long been established."
Kokomo Mayor Tyler Moore stated, "Because Kokomo is lovingly named 'The City of Firsts,' we are honored that Hilton has decided to make Kokomo the first site for this development.”
Hilton describes the new hotel as a "lower midscale, long stay hotel, offering simplicity, consistency and convenience for the long stay traveler."
The new property is designed for guests that need more than a one- or two-night stay and can be rented for several months at a time. The property features a public area with a small retail market, large laundry room, and fitness center. Another unique feature is a large outdoor gathering area with fire pit, grills, and seating. Rooms will include a fully equipped kitchen.
Family Service Association receives donation from Meijer
The Family Service Association (FSA) of Howard County received a big boost for its Jackson Street Commons homeless shelter for military veterans. Meijer presented a check for $10,000 to the organization on Oct. 23, along with a celebratory cake and plenty of well-wishes.
According to Angie Ciski, FSA’s Director of Community Services, Jackson Street Commons has been in operation for nine years, providing stable housing and support services to veterans who have been homeless and struggle with barriers to housing.
“When they come to us, they're not homeless anymore,” said Ciski. “They signed leases, and they have the rights and responsibilities of a lease holder. FSA becomes their landlord.”
Ciski explained that prior to the opening of Jackson Street Commons, Kokomo had the largest population per capita of homeless veterans in the state. That is no longer the case, and a donation like the one from Meijer only ensures that the community’s veterans will continue to receive care.
Meijer has been in Kokomo for 28 years, and each year its local community committee selects non-profit programs in the area to support. Typically, multiple organizations are chosen to share in the $10,000 grant. This year, however, the committee chose to make a greater individual impact by selecting just Jackson Street Commons.
Community Foundation donates to veterans memorial
The Community Foundation of Howard County awarded a $25,000 grant to the Howard County Memorial Corporation to support its 2023-24 projects, including a memorial to honor America’s first female Marine, Kokomo-born Opha May Johnson, and a traveling exhibition celebrating the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen.
HCMC president Jerry Paul and vice president Robin Williams met with Community Foundation of Howard County vice president of programs Emerald Blankenship and president Todd Moser for the check presentation at the foundation’s headquarters.
"We are thrilled to be part of the Opha May Johnson Memorial coming to downtown Kokomo, and the exhibit honoring the Tuskegee Airmen coming to the Grissom Air Museum." said Moser.
Funding from the grant utilized for the Opha May Johnson Memorial comes at a critical and crucial time for the HCMC as the organization is working to meet requirements for a $50,000 matching grant pledged by the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) CreatINg Places program, through a Patronicity fundraising campaign endorsed last month by Indiana Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch.
In addition to funding received through the Community Foundation grant, HCMC has raised money through local fundraisers and received donations from several veterans’ organizations, as well as a significant contribution from an anonymous donor. HCMC’s Patronicity fundraising campaign has a Nov. 17 deadline.
“The Howard County Memorial Corporation has a proven track record of success, most recently with the creation of the Women’s Legacy Memorial on the courthouse square,” stated HCMC president Jerry Paul. “We are very grateful for the support of the Community Foundation and look forward to the successful completion of this memorial for our treasured Hoosier daughter, Opha May Johnson.”
"Grant funds entrusted to the Community Foundation are intended to benefit the community now and in the future,” added Moser. “Opha May's legacy as the first woman to serve in the United States Marine Corps is a positive influence for the residents of our community.”
Both projects are slated to be unveiled in spring of 2024.