Governor Eric J. Holcomb established the $1.25 billion READI program in 2021, and it has since been nationally recognized for its success. READI 1.0 was established with an initial $500 million in partnership with the Indiana General Assembly and is bringing vibrancy to regions across the state to accelerate shovel-ready projects and programs that will transform Hoosier communities, attract talent and improve quality of life.
“North central Indiana is experiencing unprecedented economic growth as an emerging hub for batteries and the future of mobility,” said Gov. Holcomb. “Kokomo’s new hotel and convention center will be a critical asset for the community and the surrounding region as new investments and job creation continue to build. With the support of READI, this venue will ensure visitors, business leaders and industry leaders alike are experiencing Indiana’s world-class hosting and hospitality when traveling to Kokomo.”
The $32.8 million hotel and convention center (including a $5 million READI 1.0 funding allocation), which is a partnership between the Greater Kokomo Alliance and Visitors Bureau, the city of Kokomo, Howard County and Indiana-based SSG Hotels, is designed to meet the growing demand for premium accommodation and event spaces in Kokomo. The Kokomo Conference Center will feature 55,033 square feet of modern meeting and event space across three floors, while the adjoining hotel – which will open under the Hilton Garden Inn brand – is expected to host 108 guestrooms along with an indoor pool, fitness center, ergonomic workspaces and a restaurant and lounge.
The venue will be constructed in the heart of downtown Kokomo between Main and Union streets and Superior Street and Wildcat Creek, and it will feature modern amenities, luxury rooms and versatile conference facilities to attract business travelers, visitors and local residents alike. The hotel and conference center, which will also be the new home of the Kokomo Automotive Heritage Museum, is expected to open in 2026.
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“I couldn’t be more excited and proud to see this transformative project finally come to fruition for the Kokomo community,” said Kokomo Mayor Tyler Moore. “It has truly been a collaborative effort between a number of individuals and organizations for almost a decade now, so I appreciate the amount of time, energy and patience that has been devoted to this initiative. We appreciate Mahesh Patel, his family and the entire SSG Hotel group for their commitment to Kokomo by assisting us in finally developing this incredible asset for our city and region. We are also thankful for the state’s participation and that of our partners in the North Central Indiana Regional Planning Council through the use of READI funds that were dedicated to the project. Without that additional funding, we would not have crossed the finish line with the momentum we have.”
READI 1.0 has awarded $487 million to 353 unique projects and programs across the state, yielding $12.6 billion invested (26:1 investment leverage ratio) in quality of life, quality of place and quality of opportunity initiatives. READI 2.0, which was part of Gov. Holcomb’s 2023 Next Level Agenda and secured additional funding awarded by the Lilly Endowment, is allocating another $750 million to accelerate community development investments statewide. This funding is expected to attract a minimum 4:1 match of local public and private funding, yielding at least $3 billion invested to increase the vibrancy and prosperity of Hoosier communities.
Kokomo is part of the North Central region – led by the North Central Indiana Regional Planning Council – that was awarded $65 million in READI 1.0 and 2.0 matching funds to support quality of life, quality of place and quality of opportunity projects across the region. The region’s READI investments are focused on accelerating leadership in innovation investment and advanced manufacturing and technological innovation by growing a skilled workforce; enriching the region with quality-of-life assets, such as housing and childcare; and supporting entrepreneurship and small business.
