Lendlease, a global integrated real estate group, and IHG® Army Hotels are preparing to break ground on a new Candlewood Suites® hotel on Fort Liberty. 

Expected to open in early 2026, the 207-room hotel is the 17th Candlewood Suites property that Lendlease and IHG have partnered on as part of the Privatization of Army Lodging (PAL) initiative, a U.S. Army-led, public-private venture to revitalize on-post lodging for service members, their families and government travelers who seek accommodations on Army installations.

Located on the site of a previous IHG Army Hotel, the Fort Liberty Candlewood Suites will include guest rooms ranging from studios to one- and two-bedroom suites. The property will offer features to meet the specific needs of military travelers, such as fully equipped kitchens in each suite; a business center, fitness center, laundry facilities and 24-hour Candlewood Cupboard market; outdoor seating and barbeque area; a Distinguished Visitors Quarters lounge; and services and programming ranging from complimentary hot breakfast and on-post shuttle service to weekly social events.

Lendlease is the owner, developer, design-builder and asset manager for the Candlewood Suites on Fort Liberty. IHG Hotels & Resorts is the hotel operator and manager. Lendlease’s PAL portfolio includes more than 12,000 hotel rooms on installations across the country.

The groundbreaking will be celebrated on Nov. 14 in a private ceremony.