Biloxi, Mississippi will be one of three sites to launch the first “music-based experiential” hotel property, according to a recent announcement from American global music corporation, Universal Music Group, and Florida-based impact investment group, Dakia U-Ventures.
Similar projects are reportedly set to be launched in Atlanta, Georgia, and Orlando, Florida.
Hotel partner:
The planned $1.2 billion UMUSIC Broadwater Hotel in Biloxi will reportedly include a large performance venue, a 1,000-room luxury hotel and a casino. The two groups have partnered with Boston-based hotel and resort company, Pyramid Hotel Group, for the U.S. operations of the hotels.
Chief Executive Officer for Pyramid Hotel Group, Warren Fields, commented…
“We’re excited to work with the Dakia U-Ventures and Universal Music Group teams to launch this new category of experiential hospitality and helping to create properties that truly embody the spirit of the communities of which UMUSIC Hotels will be a part. We share in the vision to give fans, guests and our communities best-in-class experiences around the world.”
Music centered concept:
Each location will revolve around unique music in each of the cities, “drawing inspiration from their respective local culture and serve as creative hubs in communities around the world, according to the official press release.
Chairman at Dakia U-Ventures LLC, Robert Lavia explained…
“Every destination holds a great story just waiting to be told through its cultural heritage and its music. Through this new concept, we will both help people discover new ways to channel their love for music and the arts and help empower the transformation of communities worldwide through cultural, inspirational, creative and conscious collaboration. And we’re thrilled to work together with Universal Music Group who shares our vision and passion about the powerful role of culture and music for each community we touch.”
Iconic location:
According to the Associated Press, the new Biloxi venue will be on the site of the former Broadwater Beach Hotel, which was a fixture on the Mississippi Gulf Coast for over 60 years until new owners closed the 266-acre resort and casino in 2005 shortly before Hurricane Katrina destroyed them.
For its part, Universal Music Enterprises’ President and Chief Executive Officer Bruce Resnikoff said…
“Through music’s unique power to inspire and unite – especially given UMG’s unparalleled roster of artists and labels – UMUSIC Hotels will both highlight these cities’ rich music heritages and provide new opportunities for artists to reach fans in immersive, innovative and authentic ways.”
City Council nod:
In June this year, a tourism tax incentive to redevelop the 266-acre property into a $1.2 billion resort, 125,000 square-foot casino, and entertainment complex, was given the green light by the Biloxi City Council, according to the city resolution. At the time, it was reported that a percentage of the sales tax generated by the project would be used to help cover the cost of construction of the project, which was estimated to provide 2,50o-plus full and part-time jobs to the area.