Downtown boutique hotel, other developments considered for Dothan in 2016
By Rae Larkins
DOTHAN, AL (WSFA)
Dothan leaders met with a strategic planner to review 2015 projects and look ahead to future developments on Friday morning.
One of the biggest 2016 development projects is a new hotel in downtown Dothan.
"If we can get a boutique hotel downtown it'll really change and add great value," said Dothan Mayor Mike Schmitz.
The Dothan Downtown Development Authority is working with city leaders to move forward with development plans.
The new hotel would be located on North Foster Street. A study conducted in the fall shows a need for 100 rooms.
The closest hotels are along Ross Clark Circle and the Highway 231 corridor. The initial estimate for the project is $15 million. The mixed-use hotel would also house retail.
Another strategic planning meeting was held Wednesday where renderings were presented.
"We have probably about 200 events a year down here and every weekend you have weddings and parties and people who are coming down here to celebrate something. A lot of times they're bringing out-of-town guests with them and so the convenience of having a hotel down here, one that's unique and different and a true boutique hotel, we really think would thrive," said Jansen Tidmore, executive director at Dothan's Downtown Development Authority.
"It'll be huge for us. We're planning on having a special section in our store of just Dothan things. Things about Dothan, gift shops and things like that so that people who come from out of town can find out about Dothan," said Naomi and Olive and co-owner Johnny Keyton.
"The bigger our town can get, the better it is for all the local businesses here," said Kelsey Barnard Clark, KBC Eatery & Events owner.
While officials have an idea of what they want, nothing is set in stone yet. City leaders and strategic planning specialists are expected to meet again Saturday at 8 a.m. to discuss the projects further.
The expansion of ACOM and medical business is another project in discussion. Public housing, schools, sports tourism and leisure service improvements are on their list also. More research and planning is expected.
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