Neighbors of a major development that stalled just prior to the start of the pandemic got reassurances Wednesday that there is nothing that will stop the project from moving forward.
Driving the news: Lauri Kibby, who is responsible for developing the Dream Hotel project on land adjacent to the city’s Convention Center, told two dozen people who met at the nearby Center Court Club condominiums they should start to see activity at the site next month.
- Infrastructure, including underground parking, already exists. But in September, Kibby said, grading and other site work on land that will eventually hold a 154-room hotel and two dozen condominiums should begin.
- Kibby added that total construction time could be up to 30 months, meaning the first guests might arrive in late 2024 or early 2025.
Bigger picture: Kibby earlier explained the project faced delays after issues with a contractor led to financing issues. The pandemic caused even more problems.
- The project was originally expected to cost $125 million, but now may come in at $200 million.
- Its backers have so far spent $30 million, Kibby said, adding, “Nobody’s walking away from $30 million” when asked how confident she was that it would eventually be finished.
What they’re saying: Those in attendance quizzed Kibby — who is also a nearby resident — about noise, traffic, and the potential for rowdy guests at the property. “Is it a Splash House?” she asked. “It’s not a Splash House.” Rather, she explained, it will be designed as a five-star hotel catering to upper-end clientele.
