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Downtown Columbus Hotel/Conference Center project moves forward without Sprague

Columbus, IN, USA / QMIX 107.3
Downtown Columbus Hotel/Conference Center project moves forward without Sprague

Courtesy-columbus.in.gov



COLUMBUS, Ind. – Columbus Redevelopment officials released an updated statement on Thursday regarding the proposed Downtown Hotel/Conference Center.

From the onset of the Envision Columbus Downtown Strategic Development Plan, the City of Columbus has been engaged and optimistic about the growth of downtown. The plan, adopted in 2018, included and supported concepts for a Downtown Hotel/Conference Center and a mixed-use multi-family and urban grocer development between Second and Third Streets.

In late 2019 Sprague Hotel Developers was chosen as the preferred developer to spearhead the Hotel/Conference Center efforts and their real estate developing partner, Flaherty and Collins Properties, was selected to take the lead in the development of the urban grocer and multi-family housing component of the project.

COVID-19 crippled the hotel industry, significantly reducing business and leisure travel. The pandemic influenced the City and Sprague to place the Hotel/Conference Center project on hold while the multi-family apartments, now known as The Taylor, and urban grocer projects proceeded.

Over the last three years, the travel industry evolved. In 2022, a Hunden Strategic Partners Market and Feasibility Study indicated that the City of Columbus could again support a Hotel/Conference Center, and the City and Sprague resumed conversations regarding the timing of the project.

The City says it very much values Sprague Hotel Developers and all the positive impact and investment that it has brought to the Columbus community over the years. However, the parties were unable to come to mutually acceptable terms.

Columbus will continue moving forward with the Hotel/Conference Center as a priority project and remains optimistic about its future. The City’s goal continues to be supporting the evolution of downtown by promoting projects and partnerships that bring people to our core and provide enhanced quality of life opportunities to our residents.

For information about Columbus Redevelopment activities, go here, or visit their Facebook page.