Concord Hospitality Enterprises Company, joined by representatives from the Crystal Coast Tourism Authority, broke ground yesterday on the 133-room Beaufort Hotel, an Ascend Hotel Collection®. The property is a joint venture between Concord and Beaufort Hospitality Enterprises. Slated to open in 2018 in a popular tourist destination, those involved with the project expect it to have a significant impact on the region.

The three-story inn – which represents an expansion of the existing Front Street Village development – will offer 133 guest rooms, including four waterfront suites overlooking Taylor"s Creek. A separate 30,488-square-foot, two-story building will provide 8,444 square feet of meeting space and a 3,584-inside and 5,987-outside square-foot restaurant, 34° North.

Hotel website