For Even Hotels, what is the definition of 'Ground Break'?
Even_Hotels Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
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.
Licensee must submit for IHG's review and approval any and all signage, shop drawings, guest room FF&E and Public Area FF&E plans and associated specifications as outlined in the submittal guidelines ("FF&E Specs") to IHG, as designed and prepared by a licensed or accredited design professional with commercial building design background, no later than thirty (30) days after Ground Break.
Thereafter, no change shall be made to the FF&E Specs without the prior written consent of IHG.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, after the FF&E Specs have been approved, if in the course of actual construction any change in the FF&E Specs occurs, Licensee shall notify IHG and submit changes, within ten (10) days of any such change, for IHG's review and approval.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 99–438)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Even Hotels' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, "Ground Break" is defined as the completion of the hotel building foundation up through ground-level, or the completion of the finished ground floor slab. The franchisee must achieve this milestone by the Ground Break Due Date, which is specified in Attachment A of the FDD.
Furthermore, the Even Hotels franchisee is obligated to continuously construct and furnish the hotel in accordance with the Final Plans and Standards set by IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), ensuring the hotel opens within the Brand System by the Opening Deadline, also detailed in section B.9 of the FDD. After the ground break, the franchisee must provide photographic documentation to IHG within one day.
Following the ground break, the franchisee has 30 days to submit all signage, shop drawings, guest room FF&E (furniture, fixtures, and equipment), and Public Area FF&E plans and associated specifications to IHG for review and approval. These plans must be designed and prepared by a licensed or accredited design professional with a commercial building design background. Any changes to these FF&E Specs after approval also require IHG's prior written consent, with notification of changes submitted within ten days for review and approval.
Meeting the Ground Break Due Date is a critical step in the development timeline for an Even Hotels franchise. Failure to meet this deadline, or any delays in construction and furnishing, could impact the hotel's ability to open on time and in compliance with IHG's standards, potentially leading to penalties or other consequences as outlined in the franchise agreement.