When travelers check into a hotel in Washington DC, they may see familiar names like Hyatt, Hilton, or Marriott on the front of the building. But behind those internationally recognized flags often stand local entrepreneurs and development groups whose investments shape the city’s skyline and community fabric. One of the leading examples is Frontier Development & Hospitality Group, a DC-based firm driving some of the capital’s most dynamic hospitality projects.
Frontier Development’s Washington DC Footprint
Founded by Evens Charles, a native Washingtonian, Frontier Development has grown into a powerhouse in hotel ownership and mixed-use projects. In 2024, the firm announced its acquisition of the Cambria Washington DC Downtown/Convention Center, located steps from the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and CityCenterDC retail hub (read more at The Washington Informer). That property is undergoing a full renovation and will reopen in summer 2025 as the Hyatt House Washington DC Downtown/Convention Center (read more at Hotel Management)
This strategic repositioning highlights how local development groups enhance the city’s hospitality offerings while creating value for investors and guests alike. The forthcoming Hyatt House will feature home-like suites, a rooftop terrace with skyline views, and access to the World of Hyatt loyalty program.
Local Ownership, Global Reach
What sets Frontier Development apart is its commitment to community and local ownership. Though guests may be redeeming points through an international chain, their dollars support a company based right here in Washington, DC. Frontier’s headquarters on 14th Street NW employs professionals dedicated to real estate, hospitality, and community engagement, ensuring that revenue circulates locally.
Charles, who began his real estate journey at age 25 with a modest $1,000 investment, has built a nine-figure hotel portfolio spanning internationally branded properties across seven states.
Beyond hotels, the firm’s portfolio includes Hill East Mixed-Use Development in DC and residential projects that bring long-term value to neighborhoods. Their investments underscore that when you stay in a branded hotel in the District, you’re also participating in the story of local business leadership.
Community Impact Beyond Hospitality
Community involvement remains central to Frontier’s ethos. The firm sponsors scholarships for DC Public Schools students in Ward 7 and Ward 8, funds computer labs in Ward 4 and Ward 5, supports youth programs like the Marion Barry DC Summer Youth Program, and endows funds at Temple University for underserved scholars. Through partnerships with organizations such as the DC Chamber of Commerce and NABHOOD, Frontier enhances Washington DC travel and hospitality ecosystems.
These investments demonstrate how Washington DC hotel entrepreneurs contribute to local economic development while building hospitality assets. The company’s recognition with a Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023 underscores this dual commitment to business success and community enhancement.
Why This Matters for Travelers and Locals
With approximately $1.1 billion in urban infill mixed-use development in their pipeline, local developers like Frontier Development are positioned to continue shaping Washington’s skyline. Their focus on premium select-service hotels in high-growth areas reflects broader market trends toward efficiency and guest experience optimization.
The next time you check into a Hyatt, Hilton, or Marriott in Washington DC, remember: your experience is made possible by local owners and operators who are shaping the capital’s future. Supporting these businesses means supporting Washington itself.
For more on Frontier’s growing portfolio and impact, visit Frontier Development.
