Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Cold weather has done little to slow down crews working on the Hampton Inn project on North Main St.
Fall saw construction crews busily framing the four-story hotel. As winter progressed, so too did the façade of the building, with walls completed and windows installed. But while folks driving by may think little is being done because crews are no longer visible, that’s far from the case, according to George Howe, deputy code enforcement officer for the Star City. “I’ve been doing regular inspections on plumbing and such. Everything appears to be on schedule,” said Howe.
Howe said as the plumping and wiring is completed, work continues inside to finish walls. J.P. Martin and Sons are the general contractor for the project, with several sub-contractors also working on the project.
“Crews are focusing on the interior, completing plumbing and wiring. As that’s completed, the sheetrock work is being done,” said Howe.
Howe didn’t have a completion date but said work is moving along nicely.
“Everything appears to be on schedule,” said Howe, noting the project is expected to be completed sometime later this year. “When the weather warms, work will continue on the exterior.”
When completed, the facility will feature about 93 guest rooms, four suites, a conference area and an indoor pool, among other amenities. When completed, the new Hampton Inn will employ 25-30 people.
BLD Hospitality first announced its plans for the site last fall. At that time, officials anticipated completion would occur by July 2009. Emerald Hospitality Associates, which manages hotels throughout Ohio, New York, Maine, South Carolina and Florida, has been selected to manage the property. The hotel will sit at the nearly 5-acre lot, with room in front for additional development.
