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DoveHill Invests in Redevelopment of President’s Quarters Inn

A rendering of The Sabal House, showcasing its unique blend of luxury and historic design.

News Summary

DoveHill is set to transform the historic President’s Quarters Inn in Savannah into The Sabal House, a luxury boutique hotel. The project will expand the property from 16 to 64 keys, blending modern design with historic charm. Located on Oglethorpe Square, the hotel will feature the Oak Steakhouse and convenient valet services. With a strong focus on unique hospitality experiences, DoveHill aims to enhance Savannah’s tourism offerings.

Savannah, Georgia – DoveHill, a real estate investment firm specializing in hospitality, has announced its equity investment in a redevelopment project aimed at transforming the historic President’s Quarters Inn into a luxury boutique hotel named The Sabal House. This initiative marks DoveHill’s first entry into the Savannah market and enhances the city’s offerings in the tourism sector.

The project will convert the existing 16-key property into a 64-key, independent luxury boutique hotel. The transformation entails constructing a new 42-key wing while simultaneously renovating 22 existing keys in the original structure. This blend of modern design and historic charm aims to create a unique guest experience that aligns with growing consumer demands for more individualized hospitality options.

Located on Oglethorpe Square, directly across from the Owens-Thomas House, The Sabal House will benefit from a prime location in a culturally rich area. The planned amenities will include the Oak Steakhouse by Indigo Road Hospitality Group, which will cater to guests’ dining needs, offering breakfast, dinner, and room service to enhance their stay. Furthermore, a partnership for valet parking with a nearby garage is also expected to improve convenience for guests.

According to DoveHill’s Chief Investment Officer, the project meets the firm’s strict investment criteria that prioritize location, sponsorship, design, and market timing. It targets a market characterized by solid fundamentals, limited new supply, and an increasing consumer desire for unique hospitality experiences. These factors suggest a promising environment for the new establishment.

Jake Wurzak, the Founder and CEO of DoveHill, described the investment as a “shovel-ready opportunity” in a competitive market with significant barriers to entry. The firm recognizes that Savannah is experiencing booming tourism demand, which further justifies this investment.

DoveHill plans to use a preferred equity structure for this investment, aiming for equity-level returns while maintaining debt-like downside protection for projects typically under $20 million. This strategic approach allows the firm to navigate market fluctuations effectively.

With a proven track record of over $1.5 billion in transactions across more than 19 hotel investments since its inception in 2011, DoveHill positions itself as a leader in identifying off-market opportunities. The firm leverages current trends, such as increased interest rates and deferred capital expenditures, to boost demand for flexible capital in real estate investments.

The redevelopment of President’s Quarters Inn into The Sabal House reflects not only DoveHill’s investment strategy but also Savannah’s ongoing evolution as a desirable destination for both tourists and residents. The new hotel is expected to attract visitors to its historic district while enhancing the overall guest experience in the area.

This ambitious project underscores the potential of Savannah’s historic hospitality market, promising a blend of luxury and tradition that could redefine the city’s accommodations landscape.