SpringHill Suites Anchors Business Development

The vision for elevating local opportunities, economy, and attractions in Eastern Kent Count is well underway

BY MICHAEL MEOLI

WHEN MY PARTNERS purchased land along SR1 and Frederica Road more than a decade ago, they saw a ton of potential with viable strategies for developing it into a thriving business district that would provide new opportunities and activities for locals and visitors. After I joined the partnership in 2019, none of us planned on a pandemic that would change how businesses survive and thrive—and how people wanted to live. But these pandemic-driven changes elevated the area’s potential. With patience and revised strategies, what is now known as Asbury Square has developed into an even more exciting space for businesses, the community, and visitors.

Anchoring this development is the SpringHill Suites by Marriott hotel, which opened in August 2023. Demand for the 86-suite hotel is greater than expected. We partly attribute this to the hotel’s strategic amenities as well as the location, which serves as a natural complement to DE Turf and capitalizes on the growth in the area. Also, the hotel presents opportunities for people visiting Kent County for shopping and dining, the Dover Air Force Base, healthcare and other services, and driving to and from Delaware’s beaches.

With a multitenant business building in the planning stage and approved pad sites ready for restaurants, gas/convenience stores, and other businesses, Asbury Square is poised to become a hub of unique attractions, opening new pathways for continued growth. The recent opening of Empire Wine & Spirits, combined with more prospects in the works, will enrich lives, create jobs, and support a thriving local economy.

Michael Meoli is president of Meoli Companies and principal owner of Asbury Hospitality LLC.