Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — The Hampton Inn, the newest addition to the Star City skyline — especially visible from the Industrial Park or as you enter the community from the north — officially opened its doors for business last week, complete with a ribbon-cutting ceremony August 18 to mark the occasion.
A soft opening was held the week before, met by positive public response.
“We actually opened at noon on August 11. We had anticipated opening day would be August 21, so we actually opened 10 days early,” said Joshua Cushing, general manager. “The hotel — approximately 58,000 square feet — features 93 guest rooms, a state-of-the-art conference facility, pool and more.”
The project gained City Council approval in March 2008, when Yarmouth-based BLD Properties LLC sought the creation of a TIF (tax increment financing) district so it could build a hotel at the 768 Main St. location, the former site of the armory. TIFs are used to encourage economic development, such as the construction of the hotel, help guard or promote creation of new jobs, while encouraging investment in an area.
The hotel entered a 10-year TIF agreement with the city, with a portion of the revenues being returned to the business over the coming decade. The facility will, in turn, bring an estimated $4 to $6 million into the local economy, as guests spend money at local eateries and retail establishments and enjoy the many activities offered throughout the region.
“The Hampton Inn is a lovely, new facility that is a great addition to the hotels and motels already in the Presque Isle area,” said Theresa Fowler, executive director, Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce.
“The four-story hotel is owned by BLD Hospitality LLC and managed by Emerald Hospitality, of Ohio,” said Cushing. “We employ a total of 30 full- and part-time, but that number could change, if we get busy.”
Cushing credited the work of area contractors for the facility being open earlier than expected.
“J.P. Martin and Sons were hired as the primary contractor; they, in turn, hired various sub-contractors as needed,” said Cushing. “The project came in around where we expected, at just under $11 million.”
Cushing said plans still include incorporating retail and restaurant space immediately in front of the hotel.
“We’re (company officials) hoping a developer will take an interest and create spaces for a retail business and restaurant,” he said.
The hotel features rooms suitable for individuals as well as families, with queen- and king-sized beds, flat-screen televisions and Internet access being just some of the amenities offered. Elevator service makes getting from floor to floor as easy as pushing a button — floor 1, 2, 3 or 4.
“Guests also enjoy a free continental breakfast, with hot items served daily on a rotational basis. We call it our ‘on the house’ hot breakfast,” said Cushing.
“We also are willing to negotiate on rooms and meeting spaces, on a per-group basis,” said Cushing. Meeting space can be rented for corporate functions or private gatherings, Cushing added.
Officials have been pleased with public response so far.
“We’ve had several bookings already, including at least one night last week when we had about 80 percent occupancy,” said Cushing, crediting the hotel’s “close proximity to shopping, area trails and other communities” as a big reason for the early success.
Fowler sees the arrival of Hampton Inn as a feather in the city’s cap, serving to attract visitors who might not otherwise have a reason to come here.
“I think the fact there is a chain hotel in Presque Isle will encourage casual travelers to come to Presque Isle to stay. People with no clear destination might travel to Presque Isle because there is a chain hotel here. Once they visit, they will no doubt return and may visit other facilities,” said Fowler.
Attracting visitors isn’t the only benefit Fowler sees for the community.
“Obviously, the business provides new jobs in the area, which encourage people to stay, return or come here,” said Fowler, noting that the Chamber is looking forward to promoting its latest member.
Fowler said feedback has been positive.
“All of the comments on the new hotel have been positive. The community hopes they are successful in attracting more people to the area,” said Fowler, one of several city representatives who were impressed by the facility when they visited during the recent ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“We’ve been very busy. Our guests have been very happy,” said Cushing. “We’ve had a good mix on of traffic, from the Web site as well as through the Hilton reservation system.”
For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.presqueisle.hamptoninn.com, call 800-HAMPTON (which brings you to the Hilton reservation system where you can book a room) or locally call 760-9292.
BLD also serves as managing partner of the Hampton Inn in Freeport, the Hilton Garden Inn in Freeport and the Hampton Inn in Waterville.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
HAMPTON INN OPENS — A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held August 18 at the Hampton Inn, located at 768 Main St. in Presque Isle. Present for the event, pictured (small in comparison to the structure) from left: Theresa Fowler, executive director, Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce; Ginny Joles, PIACC member; Liselle Cushing (wife of Joshua Cushing); Yvette MacArthur, Hampton Inn guest services supervisor; Gretchen Morse, PIACC member; City Councilor Walt Elish; Joshua Cushing, Hampton Inn general manager; Billie Brodsky, PIACC member; City Councilor Calvin Hall; Cindy Fletcher, Hampton Inn assistant general manager; Nancy Fletcher, PIACC member; Larry Clark, executive director, Presque Isle Industrial Council; Nola Farley, PIACC member; Leah Buck, PIACC Board president; Ken Arndt, Presque Isle planning and development director; and City Manager Tom Stevens.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
CUSTOMER SERVICE at the Hampton Inn in Presque Isle is handled by a staff of 30, both full- and part-time. Here, Stanley MacArthur, guest service representative and night auditor, at left, answers a caller’s questions, while General Manager Joshua Cushing checks the computer for room availability.
