DeBoer Launches Fifth National Brand

WICHITA—Most people would expect that at age 83, Jack DeBoer, who has already founded a series of well-known hospitality brands, would decide to enjoy a well-earned retirement. But DeBoer, the founder of Residence Inn, Summerfield Suites, Candlewood Hotel Group, and Value Place, has decided to start his fifth national brand. Called WaterWalk Apartments, these new developments, which the new Wichita-based company plans to launch in markets across the nation, will combine aspects of apartment living with those of extended-stay hotels.

“At its heart, we have reverse engineered both the extended-stay hotel and apartment industries, taking the best from each, while eliminating their respective limitations, inflexibilities, and inconveniences,” says DeBoer, chairman and chief executive officer.