$60m boutique hotel breaks ground in BK.

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The ongoing revitalization of Downtown Brooklyn got a major boost this week as V3 Hotels began construction on a new super-luxury, 164-room boutique Hotel Indigo to be located at 237 Duffield Street. Expected to open in early 2010, the facility will be one of the first Hotel Indigo properties in the New York metropolitan area. It is expected to help accommodate the lodging needs of a rapidly growing segment of business and leisure travelers to the area.

In building this as their flagship facility, V3 Hotels, a hospitality company that specializes in the acquisition, development, ownership, and operation of hotel properties in major metropolitan cities and resort markets in the United States, has partnered with IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), one of the world's largest hotel groups; and Graves World Hospitality, a full service luxury hotel management and distribution company. The property is owned by V3 Hotels and will be managed by Graves World Hospitality, under a license agreement with a company in the InterContinental Hotels Group.

The hotel, which will feature high-end, amenity rich rooms, supplemented by more than 15,000 s/f of retail space, is one of the crown jewels in the booming building efforts underway in the Downtown Brooklyn area, which includes the New Fulton Mall and the Atlantic Yards projects, as well as a host of new construction and development in the residential, commercial and retail sectors.

"Downtown Brooklyn is experiencing a major boom in every sector across the board, and the hotel industry is poised to capitalize on this wonderful time for one of the country's most historic cities," said Ben Nash, chief executive officer of V3 Hotel.

"Demand has never been higher to work, live and play in Downtown Brooklyn, and the Hotel Indigo will bring the style and attitude that the world has come to expect of our great city," Nash added. "V3 Hotels is poised to bring the much demanded supply to an area of Downtown Brooklyn that is burgeoning and magnificent. We have a passion for Brooklyn and we feel that there is no better place to work than in our own backyard. We know what Brooklyn is and we share its pulse and vibe. We want to create a property that we have been looking for as members of the community."

"The Hotel Indigo Brooklyn is a complement to our growing portfolio of hotels in the New York Metro area," said Jim Anhut, SVP, brand development, the Americas, InterContinental Hotels Group. "The Hotel Indigo brand concept is designed to reflect the neighborhood in which it resides and we expect that the combination of our unique brand concept and rich characteristics of the Brooklyn neighborhood will make for a succesful recipe. Commencing construction on our second Hotel Indigo in New York City alongside a dedicated ownership group like V3 hotels is a major milestone for the brand," Anhut added.

Located steps away from the MetroTech center, the court buildings and the Manhattan Bridge, as well as being minutes from Manhattan by subway or bus, the Hotel Indigo is being designed by Karl Fischer. The design features a seamless blend of ergonomics and urbanity. Glass and light will be omnipresent throughout the structure.

"It is with great honor and pleasure for the both of us to be standing here before you and for Graves World Hospitality to be associated as the hotel managers for this incredible downtown Brooklyn project," said, James J. Graves, CEO, Graves World Hospitality.

"We are truly excited to be a part of the first Hotel Indigo in this flourishing, dynamic neighborhood in such a great city. We look forward to working with everyone involved," said, Benjamin J. Graves, president, Graves World Hospitality.

The hotel will feature signature design elements including oversized lobby chairs, which create a personal work or dining space within the public areas of the hotel; cozy, airy and inviting guestrooms with plush bedding, hardwoodstyle flooring and spa-inspired showers; a fitness studio with cardio equipment and free weights. The hotel will also offer a 24-hour business center, high-speed Internet access in all guestrooms and wireless in the hotel's public areas, as well as meeting space for business functions or special events.

The hotel will have two bar lounges which will include both indoor and much desired outdoor space. One lounge located on the rooftop of the hotel will feature sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline while allowing free and open spaces both inside and out.

The commercial space will include a famed restaurant brand that will further exemplify the richly appointed location by complimenting it with sought after retail locations to eat, drink, and relax.

Long Island City-based, V3 Hotels has 'gone to all lengths' to make the Hotel Indigo its flagship facility. This includes securing the partnerships of IHG and Graves World Hospitality Management. "The Hotel Indigo will benefit greatly from the expertise of these key entities," Nash said. "We fully expect our new hotel to not only be one of the premier facilities in Downtown Brooklyn, but a showcase for boutique hotels worldwide, at the same time showcasing Brooklyn as a premier destination."