The Residence Inn by Marriott, the high-end hotel proposed by Peach State Hospitality for downtown, was approved by the Augusta Commission back in April. No ground has been broken, yet, but the Warner Robins, Ga.-based hotel group assures it’s well on its way.
“We are working on a design right now, and on acquiring the land,” said Danny Patel, president and CEO of Peach State Hospitality, referring to the 1.69-acre parcel at the intersection of Thirteenthand Walker Streets.
In February, the Hull Barrett law firm submitted a request to Augusta Planning and Development on the lodging developer’s behalf, petitioning for a Special Exception at the site’s location, 1310 Walker St., and adjacent parcels.
The property is owned by American Concrete, Inc., a ready-mix concrete supplier; and is currently zoned Heavy Industrial and Light Industrial.
In the letter of intent accompanying the application, the law firm notes that Peach Tree (doing business as PSH Augusta, LLC) is the prospective buyer of the property, under a purchase contract to acquire it from the concrete company since Jan. 5.
The letter goes on to note that though the city’s Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance forbids kitchenettes in more than half of a hotel’s guest rooms, this restriction is lifted for an “extended stay hotel.”
The Peach State group plans to construct a five-story, 93,000-square foot building with 125 guest rooms, all with kitchens; along with amenities such as a grill and fire pit and a fitness room.
The planning department had little quarrel with the request. The staff report recommended approval, and after the Planning Commission approved it, the request was on the consent agenda for the Augusta Commission’s April 19 meeting.
Patel says he selected the location because of its nearness to the city’s business district.
“It’s this location because of its a close proximity to downtown and the medical university,” he said. “It’s right in between the main artery connecting to downtown and the university, and I want to position right in between so I can get the broad side of the business.”
Patel said that there is not yet a tentative date for when PHS will break ground on the hotel, as that depends on how soon when it will close on the property, and when designs will be finished.
Patel owns another Residence Inn by Marriott on Marks Church Road, as well as other Marriott hotels on Washington and Marks Church Roads.
Skyler Q. Andrews is a staff reporter covering business for The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
