Ellesse DesMarteau

Ellesse DesMarteau

Vice President of Development
  • 10+ years of experience in commercial development and construction
  • $600M+ in development and construction projects across 10 states
  • Experience in hospitality, mixed-use multifamily, healthcare, school, office, restaurant, retail, and infrastructure

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Ellesse DesMarteau

What to Expect During a Senior Living Renovation
Articles
July 22, 2022

What to Expect During a Senior Living Renovation

A senior living renovation can be one of the most complex project types in the development world. Unlike a vacant commercial building or a hotel under full closure, a senior living facility is an active care environment. Residents live there. Staff work there every day. Services, meals, medical support, memory care, and social programming, never stop.

Nine Hotels, One Portfolio: The Real Story of Our Post-Pandemic Challenge
Articles
July 22, 2022

Nine Hotels, One Portfolio: The Real Story of Our Post-Pandemic Challenge

In early 2021, a client approached us with a portfolio challenge: they owned nine Hilton-branded properties, four Hilton Garden Inns, three Hampton Inn & Suites, and two Homewood Suites, spread across the United States. All needed comprehensive renovations to meet current brand standards, and the client wanted them all at once.

The Hidden Value of Pre-Construction Services in Hospitality Development
Resources
July 22, 2022

The Hidden Value of Pre-Construction Services in Hospitality Development

Most hotel developers focus on what happens after the first shovel hits the ground. That's understandable. Construction is visible, tangible, and easy to track. But the decisions made before construction starts often determine whether a project finishes on time and within budget, or becomes another cautionary tale of cost overruns and delays.Industry data shows that inadequate pre-construction planning leads to cost overruns exceeding 15-30%. That's not a rounding error. On a $20 million hotel renovation, that's $3 million you didn't plan to spend. On a ground-up development, the numbers get even more significant.The question isn't whether pre-construction services add value. It's whether you can afford to skip them.

Mastering Hotel PIP Compliance: A Developer's Guide to Brand Standards
Resources
July 22, 2022

Mastering Hotel PIP Compliance: A Developer's Guide to Brand Standards

You've just received a Property Improvement Plan (PIP) from your hotel brand, and the clock is ticking. For hotel owners and developers, PIP compliance isn't just a checkbox exercise, it's a high-stakes challenge that can make or break your property's profitability and brand relationship.

Behind the Bid: How a Developer's RFP and Bid Analysis Secures Project Success
Articles
July 22, 2022

Behind the Bid: How a Developer's RFP and Bid Analysis Secures Project Success

Navigating the world of hospitality development can feel like trying to solve a complex puzzle with a ticking clock. For property owners and investors, the excitement of a new project, be it a cutting-edge hotel, a stunning resort, or a vibrant new restaurant, is often tempered by the daunting reality of managing a million moving parts. You know the pain points all too well: the unexpected delays, the spiraling costs, the struggle to find the right materials, and the sheer challenge of keeping everyone on the same page.

The Unwritten Rules of Development: Navigating Local Regulations and Approvals
Articles
July 22, 2022

The Unwritten Rules of Development: Navigating Local Regulations and Approvals

Ever feel like building a hotel or restaurant is less about the blueprint and more about navigating a maze? You're not alone. You already know about the big hurdles: timelines, budgets, and managing a crew. But what about the situations you can't predict? The hidden challenges that can stop a project dead in its tracks. We're talking about all those permits, local regulations, and development approvals. This is where the real "unwritten rules" of development come into play, and where having the right partner can mean the difference between a project that stalls and one that truly takes off.

The Evolution of Guest Expectations: Designing Hotels for the Modern Traveler
Articles
July 22, 2022

The Evolution of Guest Expectations: Designing Hotels for the Modern Traveler

Today's travelers expect more than a comfortable stay; they demand a seamless, tech-enabled, and authentic experience that resonates with their values. This blog explores the evolution of guest expectations and how a hotel's design, technology, and commitment to sustainability are essential for captivating and retaining the modern traveler.

Strategic Project Management for Hospitality Development: Ensuring On-Time, On-Budget Delivery
Articles
July 22, 2022

Strategic Project Management for Hospitality Development: Ensuring On-Time, On-Budget Delivery

Building a hotel or resort is a lot more than a great idea. These projects are a complex undertaking that requires a precise and strategic approach to project management to ensure they stay on time and on budget. This blog will explore what hospitality development entails, the common challenges developers face, and how Glasswater Group provides the expertise to navigate them successfully.

Your Vision, Our Expertise: Partnering for Successful Hospitality Development
Resources
July 22, 2022

Your Vision, Our Expertise: Partnering for Successful Hospitality Development

The success of your real estate development hinges on selecting the right partner. This isn't merely about finding someone to manage the build; it's about identifying a strategic ally who deeply understands your objectives and can expertly guide you through every phase. When evaluating potential partners, consider these essential elements: