R.A. Yarling & Company Selected to Participate in Baltimore Revitalization Project
In today’s rapidly changing marketplace, adaptability has never been more important. As the lead developer of a property located doors away from historically significant properties in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, Crispin Etherington, Managing Partner of Charles Redwood Group LLC, has first-hand knowledge of this fact.

Four years ago, Etherington and a well-heeled team of experts began the exploratory process of planning the renovation of an early 1900s building. During the initial phases of discovery, development of apartments was the focus. “Initially, we were focused on single-family apartments, but when the market shifted, we began exploring the feasibility of condominiums. Now we’re planning a limited-service hotel,” said Etherington.

When the project is complete, two of three buildings will be demolished, and the top of the remaining one will be added to. “The most exciting and challenging part of the project has been the architecture, parking, and trying to design the structure to accommodate a particular product,” said Etherington.

The hotel has been designed by SMG Architects to be respectful not only of the historic building but also blend in with the immediate neighborhood, which includes buildings from the 1970s and ’80s. “It is very important that we maintain a high level of sensitivity to the neighboring properties,” said Etherington. “The historical sensitivity of renovating an aged structure, combined with the shift toward a hotel-focused project, is why we chose to retain R.A. Yarling & Company.”

Now entering its second decade of providing owners’ representation services to hotel owners and operators throughout the country, R.A. Yarling & Company provides vast experience and a deep commitment to ensuring project feasibility while making sure owners’ timeframes and budgets are maintained.

“We are genuinely excited about being able to assist with a project that is so integral to the revitalization of downtown Baltimore,” said Rick Yarling, president of R.A. Yarling & Company. The firm’s portfolio of involvement in historic renovations includes: The Dearborn Inn, a historic hotel located in Dearborn, Michigan, that was designed by the late Henry Ford and famed architect Albert Kahn. Most recently, R.A. Yarling & Company has been overseeing a complete ballroom renovation at the Hyatt Regency Dearborn, also located in Dearborn, Michigan.

“I am extremely confident in the team that we have assembled to complete the project,” said Yarling. “Having experts like Mike Harrison, president of The Harrison Group, Ltd., involved is going to make all the difference in the world when it comes to delivering the project on-time and within budget.”

Etherington is enthusiastic about the momentum and support for the project saying, “We received the parking variance last week and have begun the site plan approval process. We are still finalizing the flag but, to the city’s credit, our experience in working with everyone from the mayor on down has been first-rate.”

“The historical sensitivity of renovating an aged structure, combined with the shift toward a hotel-focused project, is why we chose to retain R.A. Yarling & Company.”

Crispin Etherington, Managing Partner of Charles Redwood Group LLC

Traverse City Michigan Welcomes Cambria Suites
When a hotelier in an extremely popular tourist-friendly location in Traverse City, Michigan, was looking for a new concept that would appeal to an evolving group of business and leisure travelers, he sought the advice of R.A. Yarling & Company.

Working with a seasoned team of professionals, R.A. Yarling & Company reviewed the current market trends, and listened carefully to the owner’s requirements before beginning the search for a product or brand.

When we located Cambria Suites, a new, upscale select service hotel currently being offered by Choice Hotels, we enthusiastically began negotiations as the hotelier’s representative to ensure that the project would fit well within the environment for which it was destined.

Our team thoughtfully researched what was available and provided a turnkey package to the owner that was affordable and could be single-source financed.

“Once we got started, the process went very quickly. Once we ascertained exactly what the owner was looking for and correlated that to what the current market trends are, we landed on a sophisticated, stylish product that caters to the savvy traveler,” said Rick Yarling, president of R.A. Yarling and Company.

“Initially, the biggest challenge was financing – but we were able to provide a turnkey solution that was equitable for both the owner and the lender. The financing, developer incentives, and design prototype were all part of the package deal,” added Yarling.

Construction is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2007. “We are excited about introducing a product that seems to fit the market perfectly – and that will provide long-term growth opportunities for our continued property development,” said Alex Mowczanowner/developer/manager of the Cambria Suites, Traverse City. 

“We are excited about introducing a product that seems to fit the market perfectly – and that will provide long-term growth opportunities for our continued property development.”

Alex Mowczan, owner/developer/manager of the Cambria Suites, Traverse City

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