PETERSBURG, Va. (WRIC) — Developer C. A. Harrison Companies, LLC along with Commonwealth Architects announced Tuesday the design of the new hotel and mixed-use development at 380 East Washington Street in Petersburg.
The project will act as a “Gateway to Petersburg” by providing a vibrant development in a key location at the intersection of Route 95 and East Washington Street.
That building once housed a Ramada Inn, but the hotel closed in 2010. City leaders say this new facility will bring new economic opportunities to the city of Petersburg.
“Today’s announcement is something very special and long overdue for the entire City of Petersburg,” said William Johnson III. “We have a viable city, a vibrant city and people want to do business in Petersburg. They believe in what we are trying to do in the city.”
City officials have not announced what chain will operate the new hotel, but the new lodging option is needed in the city. There are currently no major chain hotels off the exit 52. According to the Virginia Department of Transportation, approximately 103,000 vehicles pass that exit daily. The city and developers believe the new project will encourage more travelers to exit the highway and visit Petersburg.
“You drive up and down 95 and you are saying, what a shame, there is a missed opportunity there and it’s great to come back and do a gateway building that makes a statement about what Petersburg is and what it can be,” says Lee Shadbolt with Commonwealth Architects.
The existing 120,000 square foot hotel structure will be completely renovated into 125 hotel rooms and suites. The new hotel rooms, suites and executive suite will meet current industry standards with a full complement of amenities including meeting rooms, conference rooms, bar, indoor pool and outdoor courtyard. The development encompasses several of the surrounding parcels, which will be developed into a mixed-use complex with 26,700 square feet of retail and office spaces and up to 100 market-rate residential apartment units.
Renovation is expected to begin in six months. City officials say the cost to renovate the hotel will be approximately $12-million.
