(RALEIGH, N.C.) – Hines, the global real estate investment manager, along with its partners Columbia Development and Affinius Capital, today announced that it has reached a deal to bring a seven-story, 186-key hotel to Fenton, its transformative mixed-use destination in Cary, North Carolina. The new hotel will be developed and managed by Mainsail Lodging & Development (“Mainsail”), an award-winning hospitality firm specializing in hotels, furnished housing and resort properties, and developed by Mainsail and Ross Hotel Partners, a hotel developer and advisor.
“Introducing a hospitality element at Fenton will add another dimension to property and will improve connectivity for those traveling to the area, whether for business or pleasure,” said Paul Zarian, managing director at Hines. “Our goal has always been to attract a brand that reflects the personality and culture we are cultivating at Fenton while supporting our efforts to create a highly engaging destination. The continued leasing demand across the property’s office, retail and residential components is a further testament to the experiences that Fenton is able to offer to residents and visitors in Cary and the broader Triangle.”
The design of the new hotel – which will reside at 855 Cary Towne Blvd. – is spearheaded by leading design firm BRPH and inspired by its location at Fenton and the history of Cary. An inviting destination for both overnight travelers and locals, it will offer an eye-catching design, activated spaces and continuously evolving experiences. Additionally, the hotel will feature a second-floor signature restaurant and bar; a lobby bar and coffee shop; 6,000 square feet of event space spanning six meeting rooms; a ballroom to accommodate groups up to 300; and a 1,500-square-foot culinary studio for cooking demonstrations and ticketed experiences. An outdoor heated pool with an expanded sundeck and fitness center will round out the offerings for overnight guests. The property will be a member of the Tribute Portfolio® Hotels by Marriott International, a family of independent boutique hotels bound by their Indie spirit and heart for connecting people and places. Details on the hotel’s name and brand story are expected to be revealed later this year.
“Our goal as a hotelier is to establish an authentic connection with the local residents while creatively collaborating with our neighbor tenants to create unforgettable moments for locals and visitors alike,” said Joe Collier, founder and president, Mainsail Lodging & Development. “We couldn’t ask for a better home than Fenton as we look forward to developing a vibrant lifestyle hotel specifically designed for this dynamic community.”
In addition to the hotel project, Hines announced it has signed two new office lease agreements: a nearly 17,000-square-foot lease with Burns & McDonnell, a full-service engineering, construction and architecture firm that brings together engineers, construction/craft professionals, architects, planners, technologists and scientists to design and build critical infrastructure; and an approximately 4,400-square-foot lease with Surety Systems, an enterprise resource planning (ERP), human capital management (HCM) and customer relationship management (CRM) consulting firm that specializes in various enterprise applications and empowers internal teams to maximize the efficiency of their technology.
Burns & McDonnell will bring its team of 80 employees to 25 Fenton Main within the broader Fenton site and will take occupancy of its new space this September. The larger space will enable the 100% employee-owned firm to grow its operations in the Triangle region in the coming years, adding to its global presence across 75 offices. Matt Winters and Ashley Ingram of JLL represented Burns & McDonnell in the lease transaction.
Surety Systems has established a strong brand in the Triangle area over the past 20 years, excelling in the HCM and ERP applications space and working with clients across industry verticals. The company selected Fenton to align with its active culture, hybrid work structure and Raleigh-based employees, allowing the firm to continue to thrive over the long term.
Fenton is a 92-acre, master-planned community located along Cary Towne Boulevard at I-40, adjacent to the WakeMed Soccer Park. The highly amenitized development features 2.5 million square feet of residential, retail, office and entertainment, and is within proximity to Research Triangle Park, a major regional employment center, as well as the area’s highest-quality residential neighborhoods and schools.
About Hines
Hines is a leading global real estate investment manager. We own and operate $93.2 billion1 of assets across property types and on behalf of a diverse group of institutional and private wealth clients. Every day, our 5,000 employees in 30 countries draw on our 65-year history to build the world forward by investing in, developing, and managing some of the world’s best real estate. To learn more, visit www.hines.com and follow @Hines on social media.
¹Includes both the global Hines organization and RIA AUM as of December 31, 2023.
About Mainsail Lodging & Development
Mainsail Lodging & Development is an award-winning, Tampa, Florida-based company specializing in hotel, furnished housing, and resort property management and development, marketing and sales. An established company with a dynamic entrepreneurial spirit, Mainsail prides itself in finding unique lodging opportunities with a purpose and applying its passion and expertise to each project. Founded by President Joe Collier with a combination of daring vision and dogged determination, Mainsail has built an impressive portfolio of top-branded properties throughout the southeastern United States and Caribbean. Each Mainsail property inspires guests with a distinct character and meticulously crafted, sophisticated style, from a private island resort, and urban culinary showplaces, to waterfront marvels, boutique southern hotels, and a historic jazz era icon. Stay Sojo, Mainsail’s newest brand, provides short-term furnished living options across the country, while Mainsail Vacation Rentals manages a collection of private vacation homes in Florida and the Caribbean. To ensure long-term success and profitability, Mainsail relies on the dedication of its high-performing associates, a growing group of enterprising investors, and a commitment to giving back, every step of the way. MainsailHotels.com
