Fort Liberty, NC to Welcome New Candlewood Suites Hotel in 2026

FORT LIBERTY, NC – A significant development is underway at Fort Liberty, North Carolina, where Lendlease and IHG® Army Hotels have commenced the construction of a new Candlewood Suites® hotel. Slated to open in early 2026, this 207-room facility marks the 17th collaborative project between Lendlease and IHG since 2009 under the Privatization of Army Lodging (PAL) initiative.

The initiative, aimed at enhancing on-post lodging, holds particular significance for Fort Liberty, one of the largest U.S. Army installations by population. Matt Garrett of Lendlease Communities highlighted the project’s role in demonstrating the benefits of privatization in military lodging, blending expertise in development, hospitality, and operations with a keen understanding of Army installation accommodation needs.

Chuck Sourbeer of IHG Army Hotels emphasized their commitment to providing top-notch hospitality to military members and their families. The hotel, replacing a former IHG Army Hotels property, is designed to cater to the unique needs of military travelers. It features a range of accommodations from studio to two-bedroom suites, each with a fully equipped kitchen, and amenities like a business center, fitness area, and social spaces.

Notably, the Fort Liberty Candlewood Suites will be the sixth in the PAL portfolio to use cross-laminated timber (CLT), a sustainable building material that aligns with modern environmental and security standards. This choice reflects Lendlease’s commitment to sustainability and the specific requirements of the Fort Liberty site.

The partnership between Lendlease and IHG also includes ongoing enhancements to other military lodging facilities at Fort Liberty, such as the Carolina Inn and the future renovation of the Normandy House hotel.

COL(P) John B. Hinson of XVIII ABN CORPs expressed that such partnerships transcend mere construction, significantly impacting the quality of life for service members.

The project underscores the efforts of Lendlease and IHG Army Hotels in not only providing quality accommodation but also in offering benefits like loyalty points and employment opportunities for veterans and military spouses, fostering a supportive community environment.

Lendlease serves as the developer, design-builder, and asset manager for this project, while IHG Hotels & Resorts manages the hotel operations. The PAL portfolio, exclusively developed by Lendlease for the Department of Defense, boasts over 12,000 hotel rooms across various installations in the country.

This new Candlewood Suites hotel at Fort Liberty is poised to become a cornerstone of hospitality for the military community, blending modern amenities, sustainable practices, and a deep understanding of the needs of service members and their families.

Kres Thomas, FayToday News