NILES, Ohio -- A new hotel being proposed for the Eastwood Mall Complex could get under way by spring, and may not be the only one in the works for Trumbull County, the county's chief tourism official says.
The Cafaro Co., the Youngstown real estate development company that owns and operates the Eastwood Mall, announced Tuesday it is in discussions to build a four-story hotel and banquet/conference center that would be attached to the mall. The additions to the complex would be located in space now utilized as a service court.
"It's been a long time in the works and we think it's long overdue for this part of Trumbull County because there's not been a facility like this," said Joe Bell, director of corporate communications for the Cafaro Co.
"That is something we definitely need," affirmed Stephanie Sferra, executive director of the Trumbull County Tourism Bureau. There are hotels in the mall area, including Fairfield Inn and Holiday Inn Express, "but we're definitely lacking on conference facilities," she said.
Over the past year, Sferra noted, the bureau was contacted by three different individuals who were working for companies doing feasibility studies. "I can't say what else is on the horizon but this bit of news is welcome news."
The project would consist of what Bell characterizes as a four-story "business-class hotel" with 100 extended-stay suites and an adjacent banquet center that could accommodate up to 1,000 guests, both attached to the main mall building. The rooms will feature kitchens and Internet access, and the hotel will have an exercise center, pool. Sports court and outdoor patio with a fire pit.
"We're going to accommodate primarily business travelers who are here for extended stays who have to do business over a period of weeks, not just days, but it's also friendly to families because a lot of families when they're on the road like to have the amenities of home," Bell said. Though the project has been under discussion for some time, the need for it has been accelerated by the interest in the Marcellus and Utica shale plays in the region, he said. There has been a "influx" of business interests who have conducted business locally, driving demand for additional hotels and banquet centers.
Before work can begin, several details still need to be finalized, Bell said. Cafaro is still in discussions with the prospective hotel operator.
"There are still some issues that need to be cleared up," he explained. "There are some logistical and some financial issues that we're still negotiating. Theoretically if those aren't negotiated satisfactorily the project would have to go on hold and it may not happen. But we're optimistic -- very optimistic -- that we'll be able to work those issues out and be able to start turning dirt very shortly." He described the prospective company as "a first-rate operator that operates hotels" all over the country.
"This will be a brand-name hotel that everyone will enjoy," he said. Additionally, discussions are under way with a couple of "nice restaurants" for lunches and dinners, he noted. The hotel would serve a full breakfast, he said.
According to Bell, if all goes according to plan, Cafaro plans to begin construction this spring with a eye on opening the hotel and conference center by early 2013. "We think it's realistic to be able to do that. It's just a matter of negotiating the fine details," he said.