Contender America’s partnership with Marriott Hotels is progressing on their collaborative 137 key beachfront hotel in Ormond Beach, Florida. With a projected opening in July 2026, interior and exterior finishings are in full swing. “We’re incredibly proud to bring a best-in-class Marriott product to such a vibrant stretch of Florida’s coastline,” said Connor Parsons, Director of Hotel Development at Contender America. “This Residence Inn is designed to serve families, beachgoers, and business travelers alike, with thoughtful amenities and direct access to everything Ormond Beach has to offer. We believe it will quickly become a cornerstone of the community.” The video provided highlights a 360-degree aerial of the hotel currently in the final stages of construction.

The numbers have been tabulated and ready to share! Culver’s Family Restaurant in Duncan, SC ranked in the top 14 percent for Q2, 2025. That’s in the nation! The Culver’s Crew Challenge is a highly competitive, points-based, national competition that encourages team members to focus on improving customer satisfaction. Jennifer Uphold, Owner/Operator of the Culver’s in Duncan comments, “This is an extraordinary honor for the entire team. It exemplifies the definition of TEAMWORK as each and every member has proven the Culver’s slogan, ‘Every guest who chooses Culver’s leaves happy!’ They have gone above and beyond with each and every customer to far exceed client satisfaction with every transaction. To be recognized by the Corporate office is, well, icing.” Congratulations to everyone on the Culver’s Duncan Team. We couldn’t have done it without YOU! Check out this short video from Culver’s HQ: https://culvers.wistia.com/medias/t7fbs5s0p0

A commonly coined phrase in community planning and development is to “follow the moving vans.” It’s true. As Contender continues to reach farther across the South Carolina borders into adjoining states, North Carolina is on fire! No, not literally. Let’s just say, moving vans are unloading at a rapid pace across the Tar Heel State. A national leader in population and job growth, North Carolina’s continued trajectory is growth, growth, and more growth . Contender’s Raleigh Division President, Paul Luck, recently told Triangle Business Journal , “If you follow the U-Hauls, you see where the migration patterns are going. And with the migration coming […] into the Carolinas, you get a feel for what the growth patterns are going to be and who the arrivals are.”  TBJ, January 2025 . Statistics show new residents, many of whom are retirees or soon-to-be-retirees, hail primarily from states in the northeast region — New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio — oftentimes to escape the harsh winters and enjoy the milder climate coupled with the luxury of the southeast coastal way of life. As migratory patterns shift across the U.S., Contender focuses on communities of all sizes – depending on the existing infrastructure, the economic growth patterns, and, of course, the residential needs as the market shifts. Two projects, Adams Village in Lee County, and Regency in Pitt County, have planned communities with under 300 finished lots each. Midtown Village, also in Lee County, is a bit larger with a mix of single family homes and townhomes for a total of 727 residential lots. Then, there’s Midway Landing in Brunswick County, a resort style master-planned community of 3,600 homes and a mixed use component. With other projects slated for Forsythe, Franklin, Hartnett, Hoke and Johnston counties, Contender is amassing an ever-growing footprint in the state.

Contender America is excited to announce that Lennar has purchased 52 prime homesites at Bridgeway in Fountain Inn, SC - just minutes from Greenville. ABOUT BRIDGEWAY Nestled in the heart of Fountain Inn, just minutes from vibrant Greenville, Bridgeway is thoughtfully designed to be more than just a neighborhood—it’s a place for connection, recreation, and community. Future residents will enjoy a lifestyle where scenic walking trails wind through green spaces, perfect for morning jogs or peaceful evening strolls. Families can gather at the community pavilion for get-togethers, or let the little ones play freely at the tot lot, while neighbors share laughter by the fire pit after sunset.   Bridgeway embraces the best of Upstate living, offering 142 single-family lots with easy access to top-ranked Greenville County schools, nearby parks, dining, and entertainment. The community’s amenities are crafted to bring people together and make every day exceptional—whether you’re exploring with friends, hosting gatherings, or simply relaxing in a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere.

Our proven track record in residential and commercial land development has propelled Contender America to its elite status as a front runner in the Southeast region.

As we walk the land and build for the future, we pause to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation’s freedom. At Contender America, we are deeply grateful for the courage and dedication of our fallen heroes—men and women whose service allows us to dream, create, and shape communities across this great country. Their legacy lives on in every foundation we lay and every community we help grow. We honor their memory by striving to build places where families thrive, businesses flourish, and the American spirit endures. This Memorial Day, we invite you to join us in reflecting on the true cost of freedom and in expressing our deepest gratitude to those who gave everything for our tomorrow. With respect and remembrance, The Contender America Team

Located in the City of Gaffney just off County View Drive, Stover Valley will offer 81 single family homes built by NVR Homes, one of the nation’s most trusted home builders. The City of Gaffney is a charming town in Cherokee County offering gorgeous parks and botanical gardens, antique shops, fun family activities, stock car racing, hiking, fishing, camping, dining and over 75 outlet stores. There’s something for everyone whether you’re a naturalist, a thrill seeker or a history buff. Come explore this area of the Upstate!

This inaugural expo will highlight the changing face of commercial and residential real estate in the Carolinas and Georgia, offering lively panel discussions and a wide variety of breakout sessions. Don’t miss the Strategic Partnerships: The Foundation of Development Excellence  session on May 29th at Huguenot Mill, moderated by Ford Elliott, Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Contender America. Joining Ford for this session to discuss the vital importance of building and maintaining valuable industry partnerships will be Josh Howard, President & Chief Legal Officer of Contender America and Alex Dmyterko, Chief Executive Officer of Streams Development. Tickets are complimentary and available at One National Real Estate - Home .

Contender celebrates the opening of its second Marriott hotel in four years! The Element by Westin held its Grand Opening on May 1, 2025, in North Charleston, South Carolina. This 125-key hotel boasts a shimmering pool, exterior dining and a great location for business and leisure travelers alike. The other open Marriott hotel in Contender’s portfolio is the Asheville TownePlace Suites in Asheville, NC. Go to our Projects page for information on other hotels and infrastructure projects under construction. Grand Opening May 1, 2025

Home sales continue to soar at Brookside Farms! Luxurious amenities at this resort-style community are just one of the driving forces for such notable sales numbers. Bocce and pickleball courts, nature trails and a dual pool and pavilion facility are key amenity highlights. Feeder schools Crestview Elementary, Greer Middle and Greer High School are located within a 2-mile radius of Brookside Farms. This is one of the most sought-after communities in D.R. Horton’s local portfolio! Mountain views, upscale restaurants and shopping are easily accessible. Just minutes from GSP International, Greenville, Spartanburg and Downtown Greer. Come explore all that Brookside Farms has to offer!

Chestnut Springs, located in Spartanburg County, is under construction with home sites available now. Vertical construction will begin soon on the community amenity package. Lennar Homes offers modern interiors and exteriors and many energy-conscious features in their innovative floorplans.

Homes sales continue to surge at the Lakestone community located in Woodruff, South Carolina. Strategically located with access to both I-85 and I-385, this community of 401 single-family homes is convenient to Greenville, Spartanburg and Woodruff. Builder D.R. Horton offers a variety of floorplans to choose from and a luxurious community pool amenity.