For Even Hotels, what documentation must the Licensee provide to IHG after completing the Hotel building foundation through ground-level?
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.
-
- Licensee must notify IHG when their contractor has mobilized on site and proceeded with site work.
-
- 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.
-
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 99–438)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Even Hotels' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, after completing the hotel building foundation through ground-level, which is defined as "Ground Break", the Licensee must provide photo documentation of Ground Break to IHG within one day. Additionally, within thirty days after Ground Break, the Licensee must submit for IHG's review and approval any and all Life Safety shop drawings as outlined in the submittal guidelines (Fire Alarm and Sprinkler plans), as designed and prepared by a professional sub-contractor with AHJ approval. Also within thirty days after Ground Break, the 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.
This requirement ensures that Even Hotels maintains brand standards and quality control throughout the construction process. The photo documentation provides immediate verification of the "Ground Break", while the subsequent submission of Life Safety and FF&E plans allows IHG to review and approve critical design elements. This process helps to ensure that the hotel is being built according to the approved plans and specifications, and that all safety and aesthetic standards are met.
For a prospective Even Hotels franchisee, this means being prepared to provide timely and accurate documentation to IHG at various stages of construction. Failing to do so could result in delays or disapproval of the construction progress. It is important to work closely with qualified professionals, such as architects, designers, and subcontractors, to ensure that all plans and specifications meet IHG's requirements and are submitted within the specified timeframes. Franchisees should also familiarize themselves with the submittal guidelines and electronic submittal procedures outlined on www.ihgdesignconnect.com to ensure compliance.