First Bristol Corp. named Homewood Suites by Hilton, Developer of the Year

Providence, RI According to First Bristol Corp.’s president and CEO, James Karam, a leading real estate development and management firm, the company was selected by Hilton Hotels Worldwide, as a result of its developments across Southern New England, as the National Developer of the Year for its Homewood Suites by Hilton Brand.

The award recognizes people and organizations for their achievements in real estate development. Recipients are recognized based on criteria including the number of properties approved, and quality and quantity of hotels developed that meet or exceed brand standards. Finalists are chosen by Hilton’s global brand leadership.

“We are thrilled to acknowledge First Bristol with this award, considering their hard work in breaking ground on a recent string of Homewood Suites hotels,” said Karen Whitman, senior director of development, Hilton Worldwide.

“Over the years, we have developed a strong partnership and relationship with First Bristol in the creation of Homewood Suites, Hampton Inns and Hilton Garden Inn Hotels, and we couldn’t be happier to congratulate Jim Karam and his team on this award and their achievements.”

“It is an honor to receive such a prestigious National award from one of the world’s largest hospitality companies,” said Karam. “To be recognized for what our firm has accomplished as a family business is truly gratifying, and I am proud of and thankful to the entire First Bristol team for their continuous performance over several decades.”

Karam started First Bristol Corp. 35 years ago, and has built the family business into one of New England’s premier real estate development and management companies. As an industry leader, he will be featured as a panelist at the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce’s annual business conference, Game Changers in Worcester.

Recent Homewood Suites developments completed, under construction or in final planning include locations in Worcester, MA, Providence, RI and Middletown/Newport, RI. First Bristol also recently built and operates a $60 million, 178-room Hilton Garden Inn near Logan Airport.  Each hotel complements its surrounding location, and provides the utmost convenience and amenities for visiting guests, fostering economic growth.

Founded 35 years ago by president and CEO James J. Karam, it has developed in excess of 4.5 million s/f of retail, office and hotel properties. This highly successful real estate development and management firm spans generations, as vice presidents James M. Karam and Jeffrey T. Karam and asset manager Alyssa A. Karam work alongside their father in directing day-to-day operations. First Bristol has developed high-quality retail shopping centers, office buildings and hotels throughout the Northeast as a leading provider of Hilton and Marriott hotels.