Construction of a 72-unit hotel, the first at the WestGate@Crane Technology Park, will get underway with a groundbreaking ceremonyWednesday afternoon.
The hotel will combine both a Sleep Inn, which caters primarily to guests planning shorter stays, and a Mainstay for extended stay guests. The facility will be built at the intersection of U.S. 231 and County Road 800 South, directly west of Battery Innovation Center.
Brianne Jerrels, executive director for Greene County Economic Development Corporation says the new hotel will serve the park, the tens of thousands of people that attend various events at WestGate Academy each year, the BIC’s global clientele and initiatives, NSWC Crane and the greater southern Indiana region along the Interstate 69 Corridor.
Owner Mike Hicks says the hotel will employ more than 20 people and will enhance tourism opportunities for surrounding counties.
He says combining both brands, part of the larger Choice Hotels brand, will satisfy the diverse, overnight accommodations needed for this location. Both will share common areas such as the parking lot, indoor pool, lobby and eating facility.
Mike and Debbie Hicks also own the Comfort Suites in French Lick and Legend of French Lick.
The hotel at Westgate will be an integral part of the Greene County Redevelopment Commission project, including proposed sites for restaurants, office space and other businesses. There will be a reception at WestGate Academy following the groundbreaking.
