Hunden Partners

Redeveloping an Historic Icon in Downtown Johnson City, Tennessee: A Unique Development Opportunity Hunden Partners, in partnership with the Johnson City Development Authority (JCDA) and the City Of Johnson City, is proud to announce the release of the Request for Qualifications to identify and select a qualified developer for the redevelopment of the historic John Sevier Center and the Downtown Centre in Johnson City, Tennessee. Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in the northeastern portion of the state, Johnson City, known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, boasts stunning natural beauty, with easy access to outdoor activities like hiking, biking, rafting, and boating. The John Sevier Center, built in 1924 as a luxury hotel, provides for a compelling redevelopment opportunity to return this iconic building to its previous splendor. The project sits within an Opportunity Zone, would be eligible for historic tax credits, and other public funding tools.   Developers are requested to respond to this RFQ by the end of December and the most qualified firms will thereafter be invited to submit proposals. Interested firms can visit www.hunden.com/downloads for more information and submission details. #HundenPartners #JohnsonCity #DestinationDevelopment

Sports Venue Forum: Join Us Hunden Partners is pleased to be part of the Sports Venue Forum in Charlotte Harbor, Florida, where Project Managers Lexi Cuff and Ryan Sheridan will lead an engaging session on Monday, December 9, from 1:00 - 2:15 pm ET. Our session, "Planning & Executing a Successful Sports Development in a Crowded Marketplace," will explore how success in today’s competitive sports venue landscape requires more than just building new facilities. As more communities develop sports complexes, it’s no longer “if you build it, they will come.” Success now depends on targeted venue programming and marketing strategies. From crafting in-house tournaments to offering unique amenities, creating a standout experience is key to thriving in a crowded marketplace. Connect with Lexi and Ryan in Charlotte Harbor to explore how strategic planning and innovation can set your sports venue up for long-term success. #HundenPartners #SportsVenueForum #Placemaking

College Station Explores Transformational Growth The City of College Station City Council recently awarded Hunden Partners, led by Rob(in) Hunden, a contract to study the feasibility of a convention center. This marks a pivotal moment for the city as it considers the financial and economic implications to expand its convention center, which could increase the capacity to attract and host large-scale events, enhancing College Station's position as a destination. The study will unfold in two phases. The first will focus on gathering critical data and insights through stakeholder engagement, market analysis, and historical trends. The second phase, contingent on council approval, will delve deeper into evaluating potential sites, financial strategies, and the projected economic and community impact of such a development. Read more: https://lnkd.in/g9gj2BUk At Hunden Partners, we understand the transformative power of thoughtfully planned convention spaces. We look forward to seeing how this process unfolds and the long-term value it could create for the community. #HundenPartners #CollegeStation #ConventionCenter

Transforming Dead Malls into Mixed-Use Destinations Three years ago, Fabio de la Cruz introduced an ambitious vision for Lafayette Square Mall in Indianapolis, initially aiming for a $200 million transformation celebrating the diverse International Marketplace district. Today, the plan has grown to a $1 billion mixed-use development, "The Square," featuring apartments, a hotel, a film studio, dining, and retail. At Hunden Partners, we recognize both the potential and the complex challenges such a large-scale project presents. As our CEO, Rob(in) Hunden, states, “Transforming a regional mall into a vibrant, mixed-use destination is an untested idea and challenging to finance, especially in today’s economic environment." Projects like these require visionary leadership, transparent financial structures, robust public-private partnerships, and clear pathways to investor confidence. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gmhZjzuW Hunden Partners remains dedicated to supporting projects that bring lasting economic impact. For all transformative projects, collaboration and clear funding strategies are vital to bring bold visions to life. #HundenPartners #MixedUseDestinations #Placemaking

Tulsa Seeks Developer for Headquarters Hotel The City of Tulsa has issued a Request for Qualifications, the first phase of a two-part selection process, to identify qualified developers for a 650-room headquarters hotel adjacent to the Cox Business Convention Center. Hunden Partners is committed to continuing to support the City of Tulsa’s vision to grow its economy and increase both business and leisure travel to the City with the addition of a convention center headquarters hotel. The project will enhance the Cox Business Convention Center and BOK Center within the Tulsa Arena District. Beyond meeting current demand, this hotel will position this district to be a catalyst for economic growth, drawing events that highlight the city’s assets and attract business leaders who may ultimately consider Tulsa for their operations. Tulsa is on the move with substantial market growth, amazing tourism assets, and ongoing development across the city including a $55 million upgrade to the Cox Business Convention Center, the addition of the OSU medical school campus, and the expansion of the Gathering Place. The addition of a headquarters hotel is a compelling development opportunity. For more information on the RFQ and to see more details, visit: https://lnkd.in/gU-my3EH #HundenPartners #Tulsa #DestinationDevelopment 

The Ever-Changing Convention Center Landscape is Faced with Challenges AND Opportunities In a recent article in The New York Times, Rob(in) Hunden, CEO of Hunden Partners, discussed the economic benefit for communities when they choose to invest in convention centers. At Hunden Partners, we take a holistic approach in our market assessment, financial feasibility and economic impact analyses and examine industry trends, financial realities, and unique opportunities for each destination where we work. The successful convention destination is more than just a great building, but includes a compelling and authentic walkable district, plus a great multi-hotel package. Through these analyses, we assist our clients as they carefully consider the ROI of convention center investments. Rob's insights help underscore the dynamic competition these cities face and the financial complexities involved. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gNqjTUcA Hunden Partners’ expertise continues to lead cities toward smart, data-driven decisions in today’s competitive, event-driven economy. #HundenPartners #TheNewYorkTimes #ConventionCenter

Revitalizing Historic Hotels: Hunden Partners Assists Johnson City with Downtown Revitalization Efforts At Hunden Partners, our market analysis, financial feasibility analysis, and economic impact studies provide valuable insight and direction for a variety of project types, including underutilized historic buildings. In Johnson City, Tennessee, the Johnson City Development Authority engaged Hunden to determine the highest and best use of the John Sevier building, the redevelopment of which will build upon the revitalization already taking place in downtown Johnson City and provide future economic benefits to the city. Historic buildings, with their architectural character and connections to the history of a place, provide a great platform for communities to anchor and enhance the authenticity and vibrancy of downtown destinations. Yet, these structures often present complex challenges for cities to find market responsive uses with financing strategies to facilitate redevelopment. Our data-driven understanding of the market in conjunction with our financial and impact analysis provides the foundation that allows Hunden to help communities deliver transformative projects that exist at the intersection of real estate development and economic development. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gwbekzSY At Hunden Partners, we specialize in real estate consulting for transformative projects that improve the quality of a place and help clients move their projects from concept to reality. Connect with us to learn more about our work in Johnson City and throughout North America. #HundenPartners #JohnsonCity #JohnSevierHotel

After a whirlwind of New York and then Leicester UK, I forgot to post until today that I am happily enjoying the Urban Land Institute fall conference in Las Vegas! Tomorrow I will be with my colleagues on the Entertainment Council at Allegiant Stadium, all day, learning and sharing. My awesome colleague Ryan Sheridan will be at the Placemaking Council with our wonderful Westfield client Jenell Fairman.

Destinations International Business Operations Summit: Join Us Hunden Partners is pleased to participate in the Destinations International Business Operations Summit in Spokane, where Jay Burress, Executive Vice President of Tourism, will join Dean Burke, President and CEO of the Tacoma-Pierce County Tourism Authority, for an insightful discussion. Our session, "Placemaking Action Plans: Research and Data have become the Guiding Force in Business Operations, Storytelling, and Placemaking," will explore the role of data-driven insights to expand the impact of Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs). Moving beyond traditional functions, today’s DMOs use advanced tools to make informed decisions in marketing, sales, destination management, and more. This session will illustrate how data empowers DMOs to create vibrant, sustainable communities that serve residents, visitors, and businesses alike, transforming both the organization and the communities it supports. Connect with Jay in Spokane to further the conversation on the future of placemaking and destination management. #HundenPartners #DestinationsInternational #DestinationManagement

CenStates Annual Chapter Conference 2024: Join Us Jay Burress, Executive Vice President of Tourism at Hunden Partners, will speak at the CenStates Annual Chapter Conference of the Travel and Tourism Research Association (TTRA) on Friday, October 11, from 10:15 - 11:15 am. Jay, alongside Brenda Myers, former President/CEO of Hamilton County Tourism, Inc., will lead a session titled “Placemaking Assessments & Action Plans: How DMOs Become Leaders in Placemaking.” The session will focus on how Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) are evolving to take a leadership role in placemaking efforts as DMOs shift from solely marketing their destinations to actively influencing what the destination becomes. Jay and Brenda will share valuable insights into the placemaking process, from assessments and strategy to project execution. Attendees will learn how to identify their community’s strengths, gaps, and opportunities through real-world examples, including Hunden Partners’ work in Hamilton County, where a 10-year comprehensive tourism master plan was developed to drive economic impact across four growing cities. DMOs will leave the session with actionable strategies for them to lead successful placemaking efforts and drive long-term growth for their communities. #HundenPartners #CenStates #Placemaking