For Even Hotels, what is the deadline for completing the 'Ground Break' of the hotel?
Even_Hotels Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
n shall not begin unless and until IHG has approved the Final Plans and IHG has received the properly executed pre-construction ADA Certificate from Licensee. Thereafter, no change shall be made to the Final Plans without the prior written consent of IHG. Notwithstanding the foregoing, after the Final Plans have been approved, if in the course of actual construction any change in the Final Plans occurs, Licensee shall notify IHG promptly, and in no event later than ten (10) days after Licensee becomes aware of or should have been aware of any such change.
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- Licensee must notify IHG when their contractor has mobilized on site and proceeded with site work.
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- Licensee must complete "Ground Break" of the Hotel by the Ground Break Due Date set forth in Attachment "A") and continuously construct and furnish the Hotel in accordance with the Final Plans and the Standards so that the Hotel opens in the Brand System by the Opening Deadline set forth in section B.9. below. "Ground Break" means the completion of the Hotel building foundation through ground-level or the completion of the finished ground floor slab. Licensee must provide photo documentation of Ground Break to IHG within one day thereafter.
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Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 99–438)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Even Hotels' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must complete the "Ground Break" of the hotel by the Ground Break Due Date, which is specified in Attachment "A" of the FDD. The term "Ground Break" is defined as the completion of the hotel building foundation through ground-level or the completion of the finished ground floor slab. Franchisees are also required to provide photo documentation of the Ground Break to IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) within one day of completion.
Furthermore, the franchisee must continuously construct and furnish the hotel according to the Final Plans and Standards so that the hotel opens in the Brand System by the Opening Deadline, also outlined in Attachment "A". This means that meeting the Ground Break Due Date is a critical milestone that triggers subsequent construction and furnishing activities, all of which must align with the overall project timeline to meet the final Opening Deadline.
Additionally, after completing the Ground Break, the franchisee has specific deadlines for submitting various plans and drawings for IHG's review and approval. For example, all signage, shop drawings, guest room FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment), and Public Area FF&E plans must be submitted no later than thirty days after the Ground Break. Similarly, Life Safety shop drawings, including fire alarm and sprinkler plans, must also be submitted within thirty days after the Ground Break. These submissions must be designed and prepared by licensed or accredited professionals, ensuring compliance with IHG's standards and local regulations.
In summary, the Ground Break Due Date is a key deadline for Even Hotels franchisees, with significant implications for the project's timeline and subsequent submission requirements. Franchisees should carefully review Attachment "A" of the Franchise Agreement to understand the specific Ground Break Due Date and Opening Deadline applicable to their project, and ensure they have a plan in place to meet these critical milestones.