Plaza Companies is expanding its presence in the hospitality industry with the formation of a new arm of the business to pursue hotel and lodging projects.
The new division will build off Plaza’s success with mixed-use, office, bioscience, medical, and senior living properties, and comes fresh off the launch of the new Home2 Suites/Tru by Hilton hotels at the company’s Park Central property in central Phoenix.
The new arm of the company will be led by renowned hotelier Dayna Castano, who joins the company as Hotel Development Manager. Castano will work to identify and create exceptional guest experiences and innovative hospitality solutions, further elevating the company’s market presence in Arizona. The company also provides third-party construction management services as part of larger development teams.
MORE NEWS: Arizona economy keeps rolling: Here are the numbers
WANT MORE ECONOMIC INSIGHTS? Get our free newsletter here
By integrating distinctive accommodations with premier dining, retail, and entertainment options, Plaza aims to set new standards for Arizona in the hospitality industry. This strategic move will diversify Plaza Companies portfolio, attract new opportunities, and strengthen its reputation as a leader in high-quality real estate solutions.
Castano is an accomplished marketing and sales executive with over 15 years of leadership experience. As the co-founder of Décarie Creative, she leverages her expertise in launching and scaling start-ups to driving revenue growth for established brands. Previously, she held senior roles in corporate real estate, prop-tech, hospitality, and independent hotel sectors, where she successfully launched and grew award-winning brands. Her career highlights include serving as Chief Marketing Officer at Primestone Partners and various senior positions at Arlo Hotels. A Fashion Institute of Technology graduate, Castano is skilled in digital marketing, strategic partnerships, and brand positioning, making her a leader in business growth and profitability.
Under Castano’s leadership, Plaza will focus on connecting with key stakeholders who are interested in high-value hospitality properties, from established hotel chains seeking prime locations to developers looking for strategic investment opportunities.
“We are excited about the opportunities in the hospitality sector and look forward to bringing Plaza’s extensive relationships and expertise to the creation of exceptional new properties,” Castano said. “By understanding the unique needs of each segment, the team will deliver tailored solutions that yield successful outcomes.”
Castano joins Plaza Companies as an established innovator in the hospitality space with a proven track record of launching and optimizing hotel brands for maximum success. With her strategic market insight and expertise in business and revenue optimization, she will immediately add value for clients, helping guide each hospitality venture to its fullest potential.
Along with the Park Central hotels, Plaza Companies’ SkySong, The ASU Scottsdale Innovation Center features the Element Hotel at SkySong, which was completed and opened in 2018. The company also has a highly successful track record in the construction of resort-style senior living communities.
“Expanding our presence in the hospitality industry is a natural progression for Plaza Companies,” said Sharon Harper, Chairman and CEO of the company. “We look forward to working with our partners and with some of the premier flags in the industry to create exciting new projects that will be attractive to investors and to guests.”
Plaza Companies’ portfolio features numerous high-profile projects including SkySong, The ASU Scottsdale Innovation Center, Park Central, VI Senior Living Communities and various medical and bioscience buildings, among others. To inquire about Plaza Companies’ services, call 623.972.1184.
Plaza Companies, based in Peoria, Arizona, is an esteemed leader in the developing and managing of medical office and commercial office properties, technology and bioscience facilities, mixed-use properties and senior housing communities. Since its founding in 1982, this full-service, specialized real estate firm has established a proud portfolio stretching across the greater Phoenix area of more than 14 million square feet in properties developed, leased or managed and valued at more than $1 billion. For more information about Plaza Companies, visit ThePlazaCo.com.
