Source: Retreat Hotels & Resorts
Source: Retreat Hotels & Resorts
Source: Retreat Hotels & Resorts
Source: Retreat Hotels & Resorts
Source: Retreat Hotels & Resorts

Retreat Hotels & Resorts (“Retreat”), the Georgia Agricultural Exposition Authority (“GAEA”), and the City of Perry, GA announced the start of construction of a new TownePlace Suites / Fairfield by Marriott dual-branded hotel on the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter (“Fairgrounds”) in Perry, GA. The hotel is expected to open in the summer of 2025.

The planned 129-key hotel features two brands under one roof, with 66 TownePlace Suites by Marriott keys and 63 Fairfield by Marriott keys. The property will be connected via an air-conditioned corridor to the adjacent conference center, the Miller Murphy Howard Center. Other amenities include a large pool, fitness center, guest laundry, bar, and restaurant.

The hotel is affiliated with Marriott, which is the largest hotel franchisor in the world. The TownePlace Suites is one of Marriott’s extended stay brands which caters to longer-term guests, whether that be individuals, families, or Fairground attendees. The Fairfield by Marriott brand is Marriott’s second-largest brand, with more than 124,000 keys globally, across 1,253 properties. Drawing inspiration from the Marriott family’s retreat, The Fairfield Farm, this brand places emphasis on simplicity, and caters to leisure and business travelers. This is the first Marriott in the Perry market, and the only Marriott hotel within a 15-mile radius.

The Fairgrounds are run by the by the GAEA, a state-appointed authority. The GAEA was created in 1985, through legislation, and was tasked with creating a facility to showcase Georgia’s agriculture/agribusiness, promote youth agricultural events and achievements, and provide a center for diverse activities to benefit the state economy such as the Georgia National Fair. The Fairgrounds hosts more than 200 events per year, with approximately one million visitors. The hotel site abuts I-75 which has a daily traffic count of approximately 65,000.

The City of Perry, Georgia is an historic community that encompasses over 27 square miles along I-75 right in the heart of Georgia. The community enjoys a unique downtown, excellent schools, a high quality of life, and proximity to Robins Air Force Base. As an award-winning premier community, Perry is focused on supporting strategic economic and community development while providing quality customer service to its citizens.

The project is financed by WSFS Bank, based in Wilmington, DE. The General Contractor for the project is Foutz Brothers Construction, based in Gainesville, GA. The architectural design for the project was created by Chamberlain Architect Services Limited, based in Ontario, Canada, with civil engineering provided by Triple Point Engineering, based in Macon, GA, and interior design done by Design Continuum, Inc., based in Atlanta, GA.

We’re thrilled to begin construction. The hotel has been perfectly designed for the environment, we have strong hotel flags provided by Marriott, and terrific partners in the GAEA and the City of Perry. We can’t wait to welcome and delight guests from Georgia, and around the world. JJ Singh, President of Retreat Hotels & Resorts
WSFS is proud to partner again with the team at Retreat Hotels and Resorts, to provide financing on this project. This hotel is a welcome addition to our commercial real estate portfolio on the East Coast. Ron Weingrad, Senior Vice President of WSFS Bank
Breaking ground on this hotel is a major milestone. The Fairgrounds have long needed first-class accommodations on-site to complement our robust operations. Foster Rhodes, Chairman of the GAEA
We are pleased to partner with Retreat Hotels & Resorts on the TownePlace / Fairfield hotel. This hotel will further enhance the experience of our visitors. Stephen Shimp, Fairgrounds Executive Director
We are delighted to support the new hotel at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this project will have on our community now and for future generations. City of Perry Mayor Randall Walker
In addition to the development of a much-needed asset for the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter, this hotel will support economic development throughout Perry and bolster our tourism assets. We’re excited to watch this development progress and look forward to meeting new friends that choose to visit Perry and stay at this hotel. Holly Wharton, City of Perry Economic Development Director

About Georgia Agricultural Exposition Authority

On July 1, 1985 legislation passed creating the Georgia Agricultural Exposition Authority (“GAEA”).

The main objectives were:

  • To provide a facility for youth organizations to exhibit, learn and compete
  • To provide a facility where agricultural organizations could stage presentations, promotions, and exhibits
  • To establish a state-owned, statewide agricultural fair
  • To develop a facility that would generate revenue and benefit state economy

The GAEA’s mission is to:

  • Showcase Georgia’s agriculture/agribusiness
  • Promote the agricultural achievements of Georgia’s young people
  • Provide a center for diverse activities to benefit the state’s economy
  • Stage and promote a statewide fair to accomplish one or more of the above

For more information: https://www.gnfa.com/

About Perry, GA

The City of Perry, Georgia is an historic community that encompasses over 27 square miles along I-75 right in the heart of Georgia. The community enjoys a unique downtown, excellent schools, a high quality of life, and proximity to Robins Air Force Base. As an award-winning premier community, Perry is focused on supporting strategic economic and community development while providing quality customer service to its citizens.

For more information: https://perry-ga.gov/

About WSFS Bank

WSFS Financial Corporation is a multibillion-dollar financial services company. Its primary subsidiary, WSFS Bank, is the oldest and largest locally headquartered bank and trust company in the Greater Philadelphia and Delaware region. As of December 31, 2022, WSFS Financial Corporation had $19.9 billion in assets on its balance sheet and $64.5 billion in assets under management and administration. WSFS operates from 119 offices, 92 of which are banking offices, located in Pennsylvania (61), Delaware (39), New Jersey (17), Virginia (1) and Nevada (1) and provides comprehensive financial services including commercial banking, retail banking, cash management and trust and wealth management. Other subsidiaries or divisions include Arrow Land Transfer, Bryn Mawr Capital Management, LLC, Bryn Mawr Trust®, The Bryn Mawr Trust Company of Delaware, Cash Connect®, NewLane Finance®, Powdermill® Financial Solutions, WSFS Institutional Services®, WSFS Mortgage®, and WSFS Wealth® Investments. Serving the Greater Delaware Valley since 1832, WSFS Bank is one of the ten oldest banks in the United States continuously operating under the same name.

For more information: www.wsfsbank.com

About Foutz Brothers Construction

The team at Foutz Brothers Construction has decades of experience in general contracting and construction management across the commercial and residential sectors. Having directed more than 40 projects—valued in excess of more than $1 billion—the Foutz Brothers, led by Chris and Jerry Foutz, have focused on three core tenets: exceptional quality, lasting relationships, and relentless efficiency. These core values have driven the success of their projects, and their long-term partnerships with owners, contractors, communities, and investors.

For more information: www.foutzbrothers.com

Chamberlain

Working across North America and globally for over three decades, Chamberlain has been dedicated to improving means, methods and processes for successful realization of great environments. We focus on creating and sustaining value for your investments. Every project we design and construct comes with the research and experience of our expert team who are dedicated to solving your unique challenges. Pioneers in the use of Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), Leaders in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and Building Information Modelling (BIM), we utilize the latest technology and processes available to create cutting edge, sustainable and relevant solutions for your needs. Chamberlain is the Owner’s Advocate, from first sketch to ribbon cutting, integrating design and construction to save time and money while creating the buildings that embody your brand. Augmenting our IPD/LEED/BIM processes with our Quality Management System (QMS) allows us to navigate the complex permitting and approval maze in a timely manner. Our focus is to Listen to your needs, Learn your business and Lead you through the complex and sometimes contradictory world of project realization within an atmosphere of exemplary communication and collaboration.

For more information: https://www.chamberlainipd.com/

Triple Point Engineering

Triple Point Engineering specializes in delivering highly effective, cost-efficient civil and environmental engineering solutions for our clients. Our team of engineers and scientists are ready to leverage their technical expertise with creativity, thorough planning, and innovative approaches to efficiently meet our clients’ needs in these core areas: development, mining & landfill compliance, and the environment. No company is more dedicated to doing the groundwork. Our team uses expertise to perform sound project planning, thorough project management, and timely delivery. We assist our clients with meeting budgetary objectives, project milestones, and regulatory compliance deadlines.

For more information: https://www.tpointeng.com/

Design Continuum, Inc.

With five decades of experience and footsteps on five continents, Design Continuum, Inc. brings a vast knowledge and understanding of the creation of interior spaces. Our team of seasoned architects and designers are guided through the process by our senior leadership team of Karen Jenkins, Stephanie Boyd, and Austin Brown. With careful attention to detail, we provide highly successful interiors for a range of projects. In addition to creativity and enthusiasm, we take pride in our reputation for providing excellent personal service. Prior clients include: Disney, Hyatt, Novotel, Hilton, Four Seasons, Westin, Ritz Carlton, Sofitel, IHG, Salamander, Marriott, and Sheraton.

For more information: https://dciatl.com/

About Retreat Hotels & Resorts

Retreat Hotels & Resorts turns striking visions into reality by developing, owning, and operating hotels where travelers can escape, recharge, and leave invigorated, and refreshed.

Retreat Hotels & Resorts has a three-fold mission:

  • Create an unrivaled guest experience, where guests return year after year.
  • Be a responsible member of the community and proactively protect and preserve the environment.
  • Provide a warm and inviting place to work where hard work, creativity, and ethical practices are rewarded--a place where employees want a career that can last a lifetime.

For more information: www.retreathotels.com.

JJ Singh
President
Retreat Hotels & Resorts