Exciting momentum is building in Buckeye, Arizona. Congrats to our client, Ocean Front Property in Arizona LLC, who has acquired the 120-acre Hidden Lake property for $10.5 million, marking a major step forward in the site’s transformation. Formerly home to a wedding and event venue, the property is now slated to become a surf park—introducing

In a recent Cleveland.com feature examining the role of The Ritz-Carlton in shaping downtown Cleveland’s hospitality landscape, our own David Sangree, President of Hotel & Leisure Advisors, was included as an industry source. The article explores how this iconic luxury property has influenced the city’s hotel market and contributed to broader downtown revitalization efforts —

We’re pleased to share a Cleveland.com report on renewed momentum at Hall of Fame Village in Canton, where new financing and ownership are helping advance long-delayed development efforts. The article highlights progress on key components of the project, including the Gameday Bay indoor waterpark and an attached hotel — both central to extending visitation year-round.

We’re pleased to share recent news highlighting an important milestone for one of our clients. A resort-style waterpark has been announced for Sherman, Texas, with site work expected to begin later this year and an anticipated opening in 2027. The project, which will feature a mix of water attractions and supporting amenities, represents a meaningful

Our recent fieldwork for a project in Anaheim and Orange County, California revealed that the area is on the verge of a major tourism upswing. With international events on the calendar, exciting new attractions, and billions in development underway, the region is preparing for a new era of growth. Here is a look at what

We are excited to share that our President, David Sangree, was recently a guest on the Inspired Stories Podcast for an episode titled “The Power of Niche Expertise: David Sangree’s Hotel and Waterpark Appraisal Success.” David shares his 20-year journey building H&LA, how a clear focus on hotels and waterparks shaped the firm’s growth, and

Based on our recent research for a project in Hershey, Pennsylvania, the area continues to build on its legacy as a hub for tourism, innovation, and family entertainment. From thrilling new rides to major corporate investments and even a Hollywood production, 2025 has been a big year for the region. Here’s a look at the

By: David J. Sangree, MAI, CPA, ISHC Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the annual International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) conference in New Orleans. ISHC is a global network of hospitality experts representing all facets of the industry, from development and operations to finance, appraisal, asset management, litigation, and design. Membership is

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Attending the World Waterpark Association’s (WWA) 45th Annual Symposium & Trade Show at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort was an energizing reminder of just how dynamic and forward-thinking the waterpark industry continues to be. Over several days of sessions, conversations, and trade show visits, we connected with operators, developers, designers, and suppliers—all sharing ideas about how

Indoor waterparks continue to make waves across the recreation landscape. Recreation Management’s latest feature, “Sliding, Surfing & Splashing Indoors,” explores how these year-round destinations are evolving with innovative design, diverse attractions, and smarter operations. Thanks to Recreation Management for including insights from H&LA’s research on new indoor waterpark development in 2025. Published by: Joe Bush/Recreation

H&LA is proud to announce that we received two Leading Edge Awards from the World Waterpark Association for our work on the newly minted OKANA Resort in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and the Bavarian Blast Waterpark in Frankenmuth, Michigan. Being part of these remarkable projects—especially alongside so many exceptional partners whose creativity and expertise brought these destinations

We’re pleased to see our research featured in the latest Recreation Management article, “Making Waves.” The story explores how data and design are shaping the next generation of aquatic facilities nationwide. Thank you to the Recreation Management team for including insights from H&LA’s national database of leisure property performance. Published by: Joe Bush/Recreation Management Published

Our recent research for a project in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area showed that the area continues to thrive as a hub for tourism, entertainment, and investment. From major attractions to transformative developments, here’s a look at what is new and what is coming soon: Mall of America Keeps Reinventing the ExperienceBloomington’s iconic Mall of America

WWA’s Annual Symposium is almost here! H&LA’s David Sangree and Kate Cheung are excited to share their insights at the Waterpark Design, Development, and Expansion Workshop. Their session will dive into key methodologies for planning and evaluating successful waterparks and resort projects.