Suite Spot

>>When veteran hospitality executive Phil Hugh decided to strike out on his own as a hotel developer, he targeted picturesque downtown areas that combine a city's unique flavor with the promise of a vibrant business environment. Hugh says he has found the perfect mix in Fort Myers' budding River District.

"Our focus is the development of projects in historic centers that are also core business districts," says Hugh, president and CEO of Development Opportunity Corp. "We like secondary cities like Fort Myers, and we know there is a need for hotel rooms in this marketplace."

Hugh has two projects under way that will add nearly 200 rooms to Fort Myers' limited supply of downtown accommodations. City officials believe the projects can help reinvigorate convention business and jumpstart redevelopment.

"Both projects are well needed," says Don Paight, director of the Fort Myers Redevelopment Agency. "We have a lack of rooms downtown, and Phil is very knowledgeable in the hotel business. I think he's going to be a real asset."

In 2006, Hugh bought the Quality Inn Historic District Hotel on Cleveland Avenue, just north of Lee Memorial Hospital. After $3.5 million in renovations, the hotel has reopened as a 123-room Holiday Inn. He plans to build a Dunkin' Donuts next door.

"The Quality Inn had really fallen into disrepair, and renovating that property [was] much needed," says Rose Rundle, general manager of Harborside Event Center. "Right now we don't really have a host hotel and we've lost the conferences and conventions we used to have. Phil is a key player in keeping things moving and helping us get back into business."