DoveHill, a vertically integrated real estate investment firm focusing on the hospitality sector, has made a notable entrance into the historic heart of Savannah, Georgia. The company recently announced its preferred equity investment in the redevelopment project of a historical asset, culminating in the establishment of The Sabal House, a luxurious boutique hotel featuring 64 keys. This strategic move signifies DoveHill’s commitment to entering one of the Southeast's most vibrant hospitality markets.
The transformation involves redeveloping the former President's Quarters Inn—currently a 16-key property—into a much larger hotel, which will feature a total of 64 luxurious accommodations. Located on the prestigious Oglethorpe Square and directly opposite the well-known Owens-Thomas House, The Sabal House is set to offer a unique blend of historic charm and contemporary boutique style. The redevelopment includes the construction of a new wing, adding 42 keys to the original structure, which will see 22 rooms revamped, thus creating a thoughtfully designed destination that mirrors Savannah's cultural essence.
Charles Paloux, Chief Investment Officer at DoveHill, expressed enthusiasm about this strategic investment, stating, "We have been actively seeking the right opportunity in Savannah, and this project fulfills all our criteria—location, sponsorship, design, and timing. It represents a compelling hospitality investment in a market characterized by robust fundamentals, limited new supply, and increasing consumer demand for distinctive accommodations."
In consideration of the guest experience, the hotel will incorporate Oak Steakhouse by Indigo Road Hospitality Group, offering a range of meals including breakfast and dinner alongside room service. Additionally, the hotel will partner with a nearby garage to facilitate valet parking, enhancing the overall experience for guests.
Jake Wurzak, the Founder and CEO of DoveHill, mentioned, “This is a prime, shovel-ready opportunity in one of the Southeast's most attractive historic markets. Given that there are significant barriers to entry, a burgeoning tourism demand, and the backing of a highly experienced sponsorship team, The Sabal House aligns perfectly with our preferred equity investment strategy. This initiative not only promises downside protection but also holds the potential for outstanding returns.”
DoveHill’s preferred-equity platform aims to yield equity-level returns while maintaining debt-like downside protection. The firm strategically focuses on hospitality assets valued under $20 million—an area that larger private-equity funds often overlook. This philosophy embeds a secured minimum multiple and internal rate of return (IRR) floor in every deal, while also capitalizing on current cash flow.
What began during the upheavals of 2020 is now benefiting from fresh catalysts. The variety of market dynamics driven by increased interest rates, impending debt maturities, and deferred capital expenditures has enhanced the pool of sponsors in need of flexible capital. These circumstances empower DoveHill to structure investments that guard principal, all while preserving substantial upside potential, diverting off-market opportunities towards investors.
Wurzak adds, “Our preferred-equity structure successfully combines downside security with significant upside, crafting capital solutions that facilitate efficient deal flow for sponsors and favorable outcomes for investors.”
DoveHill has made a name for itself since its launch in 2011, with its headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The firm specializes in hospitality, industrial, and preferred equity strategies throughout the United States. With a proven track record exceeding $1.5 billion in transactions, including over 19 hotel investments, DoveHill leverages a hands-on approach, operational expertise, and unique sourcing capabilities to identify opportunities in high-growth, supply-constrained markets. The firm excels in acquiring underutilized assets, implementing innovative strategies to create enduring value and exceptional returns for clients and investors alike.
To learn more about DoveHill, visit
www.dovehillcos.com. For media inquiries, contact Clare Feraer via email at [email protected] or call (+1) 215-995-4590.