A Groundbreaking Historic Hotel: Springhill Suites High Point
In the last eight years, the landscape of downtown High Point has completely transformed, thanks to the addition of Truist Point, Congdon Yards, Stock+Grain Assembly, and plenty of new businesses. And that landscape is about to change again, after the ground was broken on a new hotel at 121 Virgina Place. Springhill Suites High Point will be a 128-room Marriott hotel nestled right beside the Congdon Yards campus. But the hotel is not just a testament to progress; it's poised to be a key player in High Point's evolving narrative.
Rachel Collins, the President & CEO of Business High Point - Chamber of Commerce, expressed the city's anticipation for the new hotel, stating at the groundbreaking ceremony in the fall of 2023, "High Point is long overdue for hotels for how much economic growth is happening here."
“None of this would be possible without the visionary support from [former] Mayor Jay Wagner and our city council and the bold leadership it took to get here today,” Rachel added, “to take a chance on the stadium.”
The decision to establish this hospitality gem near the Congdon Yards campus speaks volumes about the vision behind this project and its role in the city's rebirth.
The city paved the pathway, and it was the visionary thinking of David Congdon and the Earl & Kathryn Congdon Family Foundation that High Point's downtown roster is expanding in this very strategic way to include a hotel.
"Back in 2015 when we started talking about a vision for Business High Point – Chamber of Commerce, we wanted to do something unique and different than the chamber of commerce had historically done,” explains David Congdon, President of the Board at the Congdon Family Foundation.
“We wanted to really do something,” he added, “not just build a plan and then let it sit on the shelf like many plans of the past have done."
Business High Point eventually became the operator for Plant 7, the hub for entrepreneurial ventures, co-working, and makers spaces in downtown High Point in the historical Adams Millis Hosiery Mill. But David kept an eye out for the other properties in the area to become available, because he knew Plant 7 was just the beginning. After adding The Factory to Plant 7 to form the Congdon Yards campus, the team thought, “What’s next?” David says through collective efforts, the next building they decided to add was a hotel.
After purchasing the property at 121 Virginia Place in 2019, the Congdon Family Foundation had their space for a new – and much needed – aspect in downtown: a hotel.
The building, which is more than 100 years old, was also part of the historic Adams Millis Hosiery Plant, as it originally was the repair shop for the factory machines. It was important to David to make sure that alongside the growth and progress, High Point’s legacy was preserved in the development of the hotel.
“We are preserving the 100-year-old building and adding the new modern amenities of Springhill Suites High Point,” he says.
To make the vision come to life, the Congdon Family Foundation waited until the right developing partner was found – a partner that would share the vision for this new hotel in downtown. Benchmade Ventures, an investment firm with a deep expertise in real estate and hotel development, was chosen as that partner. They purchased the building and land from the Congdon Family Foundation to begin the construction and development on this new hotel opportunity.
Michael Kren, Managing Partner of Benchmade Ventures, highlighted the uniqueness of the project in High Point, as well as the reason they decided to invest in the city of High Point.
“When we look for a project to do, we try to look for something that’s going to be unique and interesting, but we also look for a community in which we’re not going to meet resistance but we are going to find a lot of help,” he said. "And we’ve found that every step of the way here [in High Point]."
“When we look for a project to do, we try to look for something that’s going to be unique and interesting, but we also look for a community in which we’re not going to meet resistance but we are going to find a lot of help, and we’ve found that every step of the way here [in High Point]."
Michael Kren, Managing Partner of Benchmade Ventures
The hotel will feature 128 rooms in total, including two double-sized suites of 1,000 square feet each with a view of Truist Point. With hand-hewn beams, a wealth of natural light, and sky-high ceilings, the original structure of the Adams Millis building will house the hotel lobby, lounges, breakfast dining room, meeting spaces, and more. A new build adjacent to the hotel will include the rooms and suites, with the historic structure providing inspiration for the overall architectural feel of the entire hotel experience.
“It’s going to be very custom and grandiose and an amazing addition to this neighborhood,” Michael said.
The architectural design of Springhill Suites High Point will provide a harmonious blend of modernity and a nod to High Point's industrial history. The interiors, meticulously crafted by High Point-based design firm, Barbour Spangle Design, showcase local makers and home furnishings, offering guests a truly immersive experience.
The amenities, focused on providing a memorable stay, align with the commitment to excellence evident in every aspect of the project. With a focus on a strategic location, the hotel will provide easy access and walkability to the growing list of High Point’s downtown ammenties: from High Point Rockers baseball games to Carolina Core FC soccer games, from Social Saturday festivities to live music at Stock+Grain. Not to mention the space can be utilized by visitors to High Point University and High Point Market, as well as out-of-town guests who come for events at The Factory.
As a nod to High Point's continuous growth, the Springhill Suites High Point is not just a hotel; it's a catalyst for community development. With 7,000 square feet of retail space on the ground floor, the hotel aims to become an integral part of the city's dynamic landscape.
“This adds to the amazing story that is happening,” Rachel said. “This is just the beginning of the amazing story of the renaissance that is happening here.”
With an expected opening in fall 2025, the Springhill Suites High Point is poised to become a cornerstone of the city's growth and hospitality landscape. As the hotel continues to take shape, it symbolizes not just architectural and economic progress but a commitment to community collaboration, hospitality and welcome, and the flourishing story of High Point's renaissance.
Discover our High Points,
The HPD Team
Photography by Zander Betterton