Micro-Hotels: Houston Developers Plan Historic Hotel Redevelopment in Downtown Austin
William R. Franks
AUSTIN – (Realty News Report) – Houston hotel developer Bill Franks, in partnership with Trend Hospitality, has entered into a contract to purchase a downtown Austin property for a new hotel development, Franks told the city’s Historic Landmark Commission.
The project envisions a 12-story hotel on the former Bartholomew Robinson site at 1415 Lavaca Street.
Franks said the developers are planning a Motto by Hilton property, part of a growing “micro-hotel” category that emphasizes compact, efficiently designed guest rooms. Franks has led several adaptive reuse hotel projects, including work on the JW Marriott within a century-old building in downtown Houston. The Motto brand targets millennial travelers with a focus on modern design and smart use of space.
According to Hilton, Motto guest rooms average about 165 square feet and incorporate space-saving features such as wall beds or lofted beds, segmented shower and toilet areas, and multifunctional furniture to maximize comfort and utility in a small footprint.
