John Randolph Hotel SOLD

EXCITING NEWS FOR DOWNTOWN SOUTH BOSTON!

The Industrial Development Authority of the Town of South Boston is pleased to announce the formation of a public-private partnership to develop and renovate the historic John Randolph Hotel in Downtown South Boston at 327 Main Street.

Julian and Karie Brittano of The Brittano Group, Inc. and its subsidiary, The Rook Hotels, have entered into an agreement with the Town of South Boston to develop the former historic John Randolph Hotel. The property includes a 4-story 32+ room hotel, event center, restaurant and roof-top bar. Plans are to operate the boutique hotel under the name of “The Rook at South Boston.” Construction is expected to take 18 to 24 months and should start by the end of May 2022.

One would wonder why the renovation of this property has neighbors already asking Town Officials when they can have a drink on the rooftop.

When Town Manager, Tom Raab, was asked why is this acquisition so important to you; to the Town of South Boston, he answered with excitement. “It’s a milestone! Since hired as Town Manager in January 2016, one of 2 goals asked of me was to renovate the hotel. It’s been 7 years and 7 – 8 developers later. Then I got a call that said “I think you should meet the Brittano’s,” Tom shared. “This hotel will become the cornerstone; an anchor for Downtown South Boston,” he explained. “This hotel is one of the largest properties Downtown. Its renovation will make it a huge attraction; the start of our Renaissance. This will put South Boston on the map as a destination.”

Tom Raab met with the Brittano’s in late September 2021 when they toured the downtown hotel property. Karie Brittano, a licensed general contractor, fell in love with the property and saw a clear vision of what it could become. Julian, an entrepreneur, visionary, actor and movie producer/promoter loved the small-town atmosphere and opportunities the hotel offered. Mr. Raab was impressed with the dynamic couple and the investment group they had assembled. Over $650,000 in grant funds had been received for the project: a $600,000 Virginia Tobacco Commission Economic Development grant; and a $50,000 Virginia Brownfields Assistance Fund (VBAF) grant to complete environmental studies and abate any environmental hazards at the Hotel.

The announcement of a major global hotel chain partner to be announced in the coming days.