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Last updated on Tuesday, April 17, 2018
(ODON) - Construction of a 72-unit hotel, the first at WestGate@Crane Technology Park, will get underway with a groundbreaking ceremony 2 p.m. Wednesday at Progress Pointe.
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.
"We are thrilled to have Mike and Debbie Hicks establish the first hotel in WestGate@Crane Technology Park," says Brianne Jerrels, executive director for Greene County Economic Development Corporation. "This 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."
Mike Hicks said the hotel will employ more than 20 people and will enhance tourism opportunities for surrounding counties. He said 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.
Both will feature meeting space, business center, free Wi-Fi, fitness center and complimentary hot breakfast.
"This hotel is conveniently located at WestGate and will also provide lodging for the community," Hicks said. "We'll be able to serve anyone from government employees to families traveling for local athletic tournaments."
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.
About Purdue@WestGate
Purdue@WestGate is an economic development accelerator formed by the partnership between WestGate Authority, Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division (NSWC Crane), Purdue University and Purdue Research Foundation. The Indiana-based collaboration combines strengths to advance educational, research and development and technology commercialization across Indiana and elsewhere. Purdue@WestGate offers tools for startups, entrepreneurial experts, programs, educational opportunities and workforce development to help southern Indiana businesses grow and thrive. For more information about the resources available to businesses, visit Purdue@WestGate.
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