July 18–Work could start within a month on a new hotel in Jamestown, according to Darren Trudeau, developer with Paces Lodging Corp. of Fargo. The project is a joint venture of Paces Lodging and Clarice Liechty of Jamestown.

“We’re looking forward to the project,” Liechty said. “People say we can use another hotel in Jamestown.”

The hotel is planned for an area directly west of the Buffalo Mall and will be adjacent to the road leading to the planned Menards.

Liechty said the hotel will include 108 units and would include conference rooms but would not be considered a conference center. Other features include a pool with water slide. The hotel will not include a restaurant or bar.

Trudeau said the hotel will be franchised under one of the Marriott brands, although the final papers have not been signed so exact details cannot be released. Marriott operates 18 hotel brands including Marriott, Courtyard and Fairfield Inn & Suites.

City Administrator Jeff Fuchs said a five-year tax exemption for the property is on the agenda for the Aug. 4 City Council meeting. Information on the application lists the estimated cost of the project at $10 million.

“Hopefully we can use some of the tax incentives,” Liechty said. “It would be nice to be able to get a tax exemption and Flex Pace (interest buy down) to bring the project to the city.”

Trudeau said they hoped to begin work on the foundations as soon as building permits can be acquired in mid- to late-August. Completion of the project is planned for May or June of 2015.

Trudeau said the Marriott brand had targeted the Jamestown area for many years.

“It is a good place between Fargo and Bismarck,” he said.

The location within Jamestown is also important.

“We feel this is the location of the future,” Trudeau said. “Future plans to tie the roads into the hospital and the proximity to the mall and restaurants make it ideal. This location allows visitors to Jamestown to enjoy all the amenities of Jamestown.”

The new hotel will add to the existing base of about 600 hotel rooms in Jamestown, said Lisa Hicks, executive director of the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce.

“Obviously this is good for Jamestown,” she said. “We need more hotel space and more space to hold meetings. The upscale nature of the hotel would fit in with the needs of people traveling on Interstate (94).”

Sun reporter Keith Norman can be reached at 701-952-8452 or by email at [email protected]