Ground-breaking for the hotel project is scheduled for January 1999. Construction of the property is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 1999. 

The Hilton Garden Inn Brownsville, which will be located at the intersection of Expressway and Media Luna Road, will be managed and operated by McAllen, Texas-based Castle Hospitality Co., LLC, under a license agreement to be entered into with Hilton Inns Inc., the franchise subsidiary of Beverly Hills, Calif.-based Hilton Hotels. 

``A mid-priced product designed to cater to the needs of the '90s traveler, Hilton Garden Inn hotels attract value-conscious business travelers as well as leisure travelers seeking a weekend getaway or vacation,'' said Dieter Huckestein, president -- hotel division, Hilton Hotels. 

``The Hilton Garden Inn Brownsville will be supported by Hilton's powerful marketing programs, including Hilton HHonors(r) Worldwide, and global sales and reservations offices, benefiting customers and contributing to the long-term success of the hotel.'' 

``With its proximity to South Padre Island and Mexico, the Hilton Garden Inn Brownsville will exemplify an ideal product to serve the market,'' said Alter Holand, a Brownsville native and a principal owner of the new property. ``Our services will be focused and suited to meet the needs of business and leisure travelers alike visiting the Brownsville area.'' 

The four-story, mid-rise Hilton Garden Inn will feature a signature glass-walled pavilion housing the guest reception; a Pavilion Pantry(sm) with a selection of microwavable packaged, refrigerated and frozen items; a comfortable lounge area with a television and fireplace; a full-service business center; and two meeting rooms represented by 1,350 square feet of flexible meeting space. 

Guest-room accommodations and features will include: a hospitality center with a microwave oven, coffee maker and minirefrigerator; a sitting area with an easy chair and ottoman; in-room entertainment with cable television and pay-per-view movies via the On Command(r) Video system; a hairdryer; and an iron and ironing board. An exercise room, a swimming pool and a laundry facility also will be available for guests' convenience. 

Business-oriented features of the guest room will include: a spacious work desk with a pull-out shelf for a portable computer; adjustable lighting; an ergonomic chair; electrical outlets at desk height; and two telephones equipped with two lines, voice mail and data ports. 

Construction of a Tony Roma's restaurant already has started on land adjacent to the hotel property. 

``Besides being a great restaurant and neighbor,'' said Holand, ``Tony Roma's will offer dine-in or room service to our guests.'' 

Hilton Garden Inn developments represent the cornerstone of Hilton's domestic franchising growth strategy. More than 200 Hilton Garden Inn properties are expected to be open or under development in the United States by the year 2000. 

The Hilton Garden Inn Brownsville will be located between Highway 802 and Boca Chica Boulevard on Expressway 83/77. The hotel is conveniently situated near the expanding Sunrise Mall and the nationally recognized Gladys Porter Zoo. In addition, the hotel is located five miles from Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport.