“We remain fully committed to delivering an exceptional resort experience to Fredericksburg with the planned opening of Waldorf Astoria Texas Hill Country.
“As you may be aware, we have been navigating discussions related to the proposed road that traverses a portion of our project site. We want to be unequivocal: Regardless of the outcome of those discussions, we are moving forward. Our team has identified and is advancing a viable solution that accommodates the road alignment and does not affect the development. This approach allows development to proceed on schedule without dependence on any road relocation outcome.
“The Waldorf Astoria Texas Hill Country will be built at the highest standard and the resort, once built, is still expected to be the finest Waldorf Astoria in the country.”
Previous reports
During a recent Fredericksburg City Council meeting, the Council discussed the approved development plat for the resort by the Planning & Zoning Commission, which included a condition requiring the City Council to remove or replace the road within the Thoroughfare Plan from 2006. The development plat was approved by the Planning & Zoning Commission by a 7-2 vote.
Robert Radovan, one of the codevelopers of the hotel, who spoke at the meeting, told Hotel Business that “this project is going forward and will be final as of May 5.”
Radovan is part of Wine Country Hospitality Partners, the development group that includes Auberge Resorts Collection founder Mark Harmon. Hilton, through its luxury flagship brand Waldorf Astoria, will manage the property.
The resort, which is expected to open in 2028, will feature 60 hotel guestrooms and suites; 42 branded multi-bedroom resort villas eligible to participate in a hotel rental program; and 50 branded private residences. It will also include three food and beverage concepts, a 12,500-sq.-ft. spa and fitness center, two resort-style pools and more.
The Waldorf-Astoria will be located adjacent to Fredericksburg, the site of the historic Nimitz Hotel, built by Charles H. Nimitz and designed to resemble a steamboat with a distinctive bow front. It served as a social hub and was later converted into part of the National Museum of the Pacific War.
Radovan expects the Waldorf Astoria Texas Hill Country to continue that social legacy of the landmark hotel that came before it.
“We’re looking forward to being an amazing part of the community, where everybody comes to celebrate their family get-togethers, just as they did with the Nimitz Hotel in the past,” he said.
Harmon echoed his codeveloper’s statement. “We believe the Waldorf Astoria Texas Hill Country will become a great destination featuring the best of Hill Country,” he said. “This intimate, small luxury hotel will be designed to reflect the character of the land and will bring visitors to experience the magic of Hill Country and Fredericksburg.”
Along with the attraction for guests and locals, the resort will have a positive impact on the community through the jobs it will create, the increased tourism that will benefit the town’s small business owners and the much-needed tax revenue it will generate for the city. The property will also help increase the appreciation and land values for individual local homeowners.
“The Waldorf Astoria Texas Hill Country project represents a transformational economic opportunity for our community,” said Jesse Barter, owner, Hill & Vine restaurant and a local business owner. “With hundreds of permanent and construction jobs being created, meaningful increases in local tax revenue and a significant boost to property values for homeowners throughout the region, this development delivers lasting benefits that will be felt across the city and county for generations to come.”
Beyond the jobs and tax revenue, Harmon noted, “This project will put our region on the map as a premier destination—driving tourism that directly fuels our local small businesses and entrepreneurs. When a world-class brand like Waldorf Astoria invests here, everyone wins: homeowners see their land values rise, local business owners see more customers walk through their doors, and our community gains the infrastructure and recognition it deserves.”
The development is also structured as an EB-5 project, allowing EB-5 investors to participate
“As a senior construction lender, it’s rare to finance a project that checks every box—global brand, community impact, and rural priority processing for investors,” said Ali Jahangiri, senior construction lender, EB5LA. “The Waldorf Astoria Texas Hill Country is an EB-5 approved project under the 956F designation, meaning it’s certified to create American jobs and serves as a qualified investment vehicle for foreign capital. Being the first Waldorf Astoria in the state of Texas, this project puts Fredericksburg on the world stage as a premier wine country destination—and frankly, it’s an honor to play a role in making it happen.”
Tags: Robert Radovan Jesse Barter Ali Jahangiri, EB5LA Mark Harmon Waldorf Astoria Texas Hill Country
