2 Hotels To Be Built Downtown

Most people know it as the big dirt lots before you get on the connector, but the Gardner Company has a vision for the area that has set empty for years. Plans have been drawn up to build two hotels on the five-acre lot between 11th, 13th, Myrtle and Front streets.

One of the hotels, on the lot's northeast corner, would have 170 rooms. It would be a four-star facility and offer features and services such as a restaurant open for all three meals, a full bar, room service, a swimming pool, gym, laundry service and concierge service.

The other hotel, on the southeast corner, would have 140 rooms. It would be less expensive and offer simple services.

The Gardner company hopes to break ground early next year and finish by mid-2017.