by April Scheinoha
Reporter
A firm pitched a proposal for a new hotel to the Thief River Falls City Council at its meeting Tuesday, Feb. 19. The council took the proposal under advisement. As part of the proposal, the council has been asked to donate land near Ralph Engelstad Arena for the project. The proposed land donation is estimated at $600,000.
“We’re suggesting that Thief River and the Ralph Engelstad Arena would benefit from a 65-room Fairfield Marriott similar to the one you see here,” said Jeff Jasperson with JLJ Management LLC as he showed the council a photo of a hotel.
If approved, the privately-owned $5.6 million hotel would be attached to REA on the northeast side of the building. Brooks Avenue would become a cul-de-sac at that spot. Jasperson said some discussion centered on removing the “grand staircase” on that side of the building; however, he noted there would be some increased costs with removing the staircase.
“The project would start in April, this coming spring,” Jasperson said. He expected it would take 11 months to construct the hotel.
“We plan to use local trades to build it,” Jasperson said.
Jasperson added that private investors have been secured. He noted they would like the council to explore Tax Increment Financing, tax abatement or other economic development tools to assist with the project. However, he said that wouldn’t make or break the project.
Jasperson asked the council to review the case study crafted by JLJ Management for the project and schedule a special council meeting related to it.
Mayor Brian Holmer noted city staff would also review the case study. However, a special council meeting wasn’t scheduled.
In November, the council approved a non-binding letter of intent with JLJ Management to study the feasibility of a hotel at that location.