DoubleTree by Hilton Welcomes New Full-Service Hotel in the Heart of Downtown Abilene.
New convention center partner to open Spring 2023. The new DoubleTree by Hilton will bring 17, 000-square feet of meeting space, 200-rooms of lodging,
fullservice dining, a pool deck, rooftop bar, and other heart-warming amenities to heart of the Abilene’s bustling
arts and business district. Guests and convention goers can stay within walking distance of event venues,
restaurants, breweries, shops, museums, and the city’s famous storybook sculpture collection. Construction
is anticipated to take 18 months, with an opening date in Spring 2023.
“This groundbreaking ceremony represents over three decades of hard work and dedication from men and
women in this community,” said Abilene Mayor Anthony Williams. “Today, we celebrate that and continue
their work for an even better Abilene. We want to create opportunities for all, and this accomplishment
represents that value. This is a giant win for the Abilene of tomorrow.”
Adding lodging to the development mix in downtown Abilene has been a longtime goal for the city. The
area’s renaissance started 30 years ago with the revival of key historic landmarks, cultural venues and
meeting spaces, entertainment, dining, and retail. Residential followed, and that urban lifestyle has launched
Abilene into a top draw for entrepreneurial millennials.
The $80 million project is the result of a public private partnership allowing Abilene to reinvest state and
local Hotel Occupancy Tax collected at the facility, a unique partnership made possible through the legislative
efforts of Texas State Rep. Stan Lambert and State Sen. Dawn Buckingham in 2017.
“This project will be the economic cornerstone of the future of downtown Abilene,” Lambert said. “My team
and I worked hard to ensure that HB2445 crossed the ‘finish line’ in the 85th legislative session, providing
state sales tax reimbursement generated by the property for 10 years. This revenue stream was vital to the
financing package approved by the city for the development of the hotel.”
Buckingham agreed. “I am proud to have worked with Rep. Lambert, the City of Abilene, and the Abilene
Chamber of Commerce during the 85th Legislative Session to make this project a reality,” she said. “This new
hotel and conference center will be a welcoming addition to the Big Country as downtown Abilene continues
on a path of remarkable revitalization. I cannot wait to visit upon completion.”
The Abilene Convention Center Hotel Development Corp. has contracted with Dallas-based Garfield
Public/Private LLC for development, design, and construction of the property, while Texas-based DPR
Construction in Dallas won the Design Build Agreement.
Groups interested in reserving space for future meetings and conventions can reach out to the Abilene
Convention Bureau: abilenevisitors.com or 325-676-2556.
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About DoubleTree by Hilton:
DoubleTree by Hilton is a fast-growing, global portfolio of more than 615 hotels with more than 142,000 rooms
across 49 countries and territories. For more than 50 years, DoubleTree by Hilton has continued to be a symbol
of comfort for business and leisure travelers around the world, from welcoming guests with its signature warm
DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie, to serving the local community. DoubleTree by Hilton offers contemporary
accommodations and amenities, including unique food and beverage experiences, state-of-the-art fitness
offerings and meetings and events spaces.
About the Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau:
Established as an affiliate of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce in 1970, the Abilene Convention & Visitors
Bureau has improved the quality of life and enhanced the visitor experience in Abilene for more than 50 years.
The ACVB leverages local hotel tax into economic development, harnessing the latest travel trends, research,
and marketing strategies to bring meetings and leisure visitors to Abilene. In 2020, the Office of the Governor,
Economic Development and Tourism data show travelers brought $416.3 million in direct spending to Abilene
businesses, supports 3600 jobs and provides $40 million in taxes to local, county and state governments.
About Garfield Public Private:
Garfield Public Private is the leading development services firm focused exclusively on essential U.S. public and
public/private developments, including those in education, government, healthcare, hospitality, parking,
sports and entertainment. Garfield Public Private provides turnkey delivery solutions for public and
public/private partnerships (PPP or P3) and public developments.
About DPR Construction:
DPR Construction is a unique technical builder with a passion for results. Ranked among the top 50 general
contractors in the country since 1997, DPR is a global self-performing commercial contractor and construction
manager that has grown with customers by delivering measurably more value. Whether a multi-million-dollar
technical facility or a conference room renovation, DPR executes every project with relentless accountability.
Helpful links:
https://www.abilenevisitors.co...
https://www.abilenevisitors.co...
https://abilenetx.gov/835/Down..