TRAVERSE CITY -- The Wheels are finally in motion for a new boutique hotel in the Village at Grand Traverse Commons.
This has always been a dream of the head developer of the old state hospital grounds, but if that's the case what's been holding it up? And will it really happen this time?
Ray Minervini says the hotel has always been a part of his redevelopment vision but the economic downturn put it on the back burner.
Instead he focused on bringing in shops and most recently low income housing -- a move that has several hotel developers wanting in on the action.
Head of the Redevelopment at GT Commons says, “They drive around and they see the reconstruction happening on one large building and see the activity happening on the parts of the site as well then they become more encouraged and willing to invest."
Minervini says he's met with several hotel developers who want in on the growing prosperity of the village, "…One from Detroit, another group out of Texas these are people who have done hotels very successfully. We’re also talking to a local developer that has some interest as well."
Right now Minervini is working out the details with hotel developers. Minervini says the 90 room boutique style hotel will go in buildings 28, 22 and 40.
They'll be gutted and renovated to include the hotel, conference rooms, and what will be the largest banquet hall in Traverse City.
Minervini says the hotel will create opportunities and bring in more vibrancy for the city in general.
He explains, "What we've been working all along is to create all the elements of community the butcher, the baker, the candle stick maker the brew pub the coffee shop the deli the bakery and a hotel would be a very important component of that."
Surrounding businesses agree. Employee at the Pleasanton Brick Oven Bakery Hannah Israel says, "It would bring in new customers for us, and we just figure the more the merrier."
Dawn Campbell owner of Boutique A La Vie says the talk of the hotel three years ago was the sole reason she choose to open her store at the village.
Campbell says, "When it wasn't going to happen it made me sad although it didn't affect my boutique but the thought of it coming here to me it's the icing on the cake, to me it's what's missing."
Ray Minervini says that there will be hotel at the village -- and within the next six months he hopes to have a deal with one of the hotel developers to move forward.
