East Vancouver is growing and developing fast, and the addition of a new $13 million, four-story hotel will only enhance the business scene there, developers say.
Nestled between residential neighborhoods, Candlewood Suites (a franchise of the InterContinental Hotels Group) will open its first hotel in Southwest Washington this summer on the southwest corner of 192nd and SE 20th avenue. The 45,286-square-foot upscale hotel property is part of the ever-expanding business and retail area that is continuing to grow and be developed along the 13 blocks of 192nd. The hotel project is the newest phase in Vancouver-based Kirkland Development’s plan for the neighborhood.
Privately owned and operated by two local families, developers and business partners Dean Kirkland and Tom Files of Kirkland Development said it was important that the new hotel fit in well with the growth and expansion of east Vancouver and Camas.
“The idea is to give this new property on the southwest corner of 192nd the same classy Pacific Northwest inspired feel and look,” said Kirkland. “The design will be continued and match the stucco, cedar wood and stone textures. The hotel will have the same natural upscale look and feel that all the buildings lining the corridor have.”
The 83-room all-suite hotel will be an extended-stay property and will be the tallest building to line the corridor. Room sizes will range from 350 to 420 square feet. A fitness center and a 600-square-foot conference room with a small kitchen will round out the property. The meeting space will also be available for rental to the local community.
Outside of the hotel, the next phase of development on the southwest corner of 192nd and SE 20th calls for 9,000 square feet of medical and retail space. Approximately 75 percent of the development, known as 192nd Plaza West, has already been rented and pre-leased.
“With so many local corporations like Sharp, Integra, and PeaceHealth in the neighborhood, as well as the Camas and Evergreen school districts bringing in sports teams, we should do well,” said Kirkland. “Targeting the corporate market in the area will be part of the focus. Having restaurants and retailers close by will make it easy for hotel guests to access the local establishments.”
The property will be managed by the Coho Hospitality Management Team, led by Brett Wilkerson.
“It is our hope that this project is a smashing success and that it will add value and excellent service to complement and enhance the other businesses within the community,” added Kirkland.
Candlewood Suites is expected to open in late July or early August.
