Fredericksburg, Texas — Construction is progressing on the Waldorf Astoria Texas Hill Country resort and residences, a large-scale hospitality development expected to open in 2028 and bring significant economic impact to the region.
The project, located on 106 acres in the heart of Texas wine country, marks the first Waldorf Astoria-branded property in the state. Developers say recent city council actions have helped maintain momentum, keeping the project on track as it moves into its next phase.
Full-scale civil work is expected to begin within the coming weeks, following an April 7 city council meeting in which officials invited developers to submit an annexation request. The move would allow the property to access municipal services while expanding the city’s tax base.
“We’re currently drafting the annexation petition with their guidance,” said Mark Harmon, one of the project’s developers.
The development includes 60 guestrooms and suites, 42 branded resort villas and 50 private residences, positioning it as a high-end destination for both domestic and international travelers.
Beyond its hospitality offerings, the project is expected to generate hundreds of jobs across construction and operations, providing a boost to the local economy. Developers and community leaders say the project could also drive increased demand for surrounding businesses, including wineries, restaurants and retail establishments.
Fredericksburg, already recognized as one of the fastest-growing wine destinations in the U.S., is often compared to California’s Napa Valley. The addition of a luxury resort is expected to further elevate the region’s profile and attract midweek tourism, which has traditionally lagged behind weekend demand.
Jesse Barter, owner of Hill & Vine and a board member of the Fredericksburg Convention and Visitors Bureau, voiced support for the project during the recent council meeting.
“The project will bring greatly needed mid-week business to the community, help the city’s growing capital needs, assist in keeping residents’ taxes lower and become a social hub of the community,” Barter said.
Developers emphasized that the project’s economic benefits extend beyond tourism, with broader impacts on infrastructure funding and community services.
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“This project is a very thoughtful, one-of-a-kind investment that supports a wide range of local businesses, farmers, vineyards, landscapers and service providers,” Harmon said. “The economic impact extends well beyond the property itself: It generates meaningful tax revenue supporting infrastructure, schools and community services without putting additional strain on current residents.”
The Waldorf Astoria brand is also expected to elevate property values in the surrounding area by attracting high-end buyers and increasing demand for real estate.
The project has received federal 956F approval through the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, confirming compliance with job creation and financial requirements. This designation enables foreign investors to participate in the development while pursuing U.S. residency.
“Waldorf Astoria Texas Hill Country is a certified job creator for the community and what makes it truly special is that this will be the first Waldorf Astoria in Texas, bringing instant recognition to one of the great wine country destinations,” said Ali Jahangiri, CEO of EB-5 Lending Alliance, the project’s senior construction lender.
As construction continues, the development is positioned to play a key role in shaping Fredericksburg’s growth, reinforcing its status as a premier wine and tourism destination while delivering long-term economic benefits to the region.
Originally reported by David Eisen in Hotels Mag.
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