Hawkeye Hotels has

acquired the six-story, 201-room Hilton Garden Inn in Independence, Mo., situated approximately 10 miles east of downtown Kansas City, Mo.

Iowa City, Iowa-based Hawkeye, which owns and operates more than 40 hotels in a

dozen U.S. states, purchased the property at 19677 E. Jackson Dr. in Independence, Mo. out of receivership for an undisclosed sum following a highly competitive bidding process. The transaction was arranged by NGKF Hotels on behalf of the seller, court-appointed receiver First Hospitality Group.

"We are very excited to join the Independence, Missouri, community and look forward to

bringing changes to the Hilton Garden Inn that will improve the property and in turn the surrounding community," said Hawkeye Hotels President, Ravi Patel. "Due to our collaborative relationships with Hilton and regional lenders, we are able to acquire and develop premium-branded hotels in markets that exhibit strong growth."

NGKF Hotels Senior Managing Director Sam Winterbottom and director Bhavesh "B.J."

Patel, both with the NGKF Atlanta office, represented the seller in conjunction with Southeast International Hotel Brokers.

"A number of investors were eager to bid on this particular hotel, which houses the

Hereford House Steakhouse that has become a Kansas City icon over the past 50 years," Mr. Winterbottom said. "The buyer gained a first-rate hotel for well below the cost of new construction, and our client garnered a healthy selling price that benefited from competition among the bidders."

Built in 2001, the property is in very good condition following a $4 million refurbishment

of the lobby and guest rooms, completed in 2010. The hotel features an indoor swimming pool, business center, guest laundry facility, and the brand's signature restaurant and bar. With 11,330 square feet of meeting space in 14 meeting rooms and one ballroom, the space accommodates

gatherings of up to 1,400 people. With another planned renovation, the new owner can

expect healthy demand for both room nights and event space that will grow over time.

The Hilton Garden Inn is on approximately six acres on the south side of East Jackson

Drive and just north of I-70. Amenities include shopping at the nearby Independence Center Mall and convenient access to Independence Events Center. The asset has excellent access to I-70 and I-470, is convenient to Kansas City's professional sports stadiums, The Harry S. Truman Historic Center and Library, and other Kansas City attractions.

About Hawkeye Hotels

Founded in 1982 with one roadside hotel in Mena, Arkansas, Hawkeye Hotels has become one of the fastest-growing hospitality companies in the United States. Today, the firm owns and operates over 60 hotels across the country, with additional properties under development. Hawkeye Hotels employs over 1,000 staff across its portfolio of hotels and corporate offices. The firm maintains lasting affiliations with leading brands, including Marriott, Hilton and InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG). For more information, visit the company"s web site at www.hawkeyehotels.com.