Aquidneck Island's Most Exciting Hotel Renovation

𝐇𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐞, “𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐚 𝐟𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫, 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐥𝐞𝐭’𝐬 𝐝𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬!” .. ⁣

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I met Graham Jones during a very pivotal time in my life. My relationship was crumbling, my insecurities were soaked like a depressing wet towel and I was relatively uninspired as the universe smacked us with a pandemic... but Graham has the capabilities of making all of that heaviness disappear with his positivity, encouraging tone and entrepreneurial spirit. I can’t compliment the man enough in one post.⁣

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We met because he needed guidance with the branding and marketing efforts for his new hotel project in Middletown, Rhode Island. He held very loose reins when it came to directions, with a simple insight of, “I want to pay homage to the local area”. ⁣

[I believe this will be Aquidneck Island's most exciting hotel renovation. And if anyone guessed it, it's the old Ramada building on East Main Road across from Frosty Freeze. That old beast has been an eye-soar for decades.]

"Reached by phone on Nov. 19, GRJ owner Graham Jones said the goal is to create a destination for travelers that is more than the multiple chain offerings currently in Middletown. Newport-based A4 Architecture has been hired for the redesign. The hotel will be an addition to the Joie de Vivre boutique hotel collection, a soft brand entity owned by Hyatt Hotels."

Read Newport This Week article here.

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✨ Collectively, we decided on ‘THE PELL’ — #YourTokenToNewport and I am couldn’t be more pumped to watch this project unfold (due to reopen summer 2021). The Pell name holds significant meaning and endless historical value in the area, but it also hits a string in my own emotional orchestra. ⁣

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I showed Graham a photo of my late father, Stephan T. Maher and other original crew members, constructing the bridge back in the early 1960s.. “We should hang that photo in the lobby!” said Jones, which is another reflection of his selfless character.⁣

⁣In the next couple weeks, I plan to roll out the social media efforts for The Pell, so keep your eyes peeled for the handle. Grip on, it’s going to be an epic journey of revitalization of this part of the island. Again, thank you Graham for trusting me with this project. Our friendship is dear to my heart.