03-11-2019 EDA - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Mounds View EDA March 11, 2019 Regular Meeting Page 2 reported the City has been contacted by several developers with proposals for the site. He explained one of those developers has requested to come before the EDA. He noted this developer was proposing to construct a hotel. Mike Sowers, Commercial Investors Group, introduced himself to the EDA. He provided the EDA with a PowerPoint presentation on his company and his proposal for the Skyline Motel site. He explained he would be one of the general partners for this project and provided further comment on how a hotel would be developed on this property. He stated he liked the visibility and access available for this site. He described the regional job growth in the healthcare industry in Ramsey County and noted there was a strong demand for a hotel in this area. Jaden Ghylin, Choice Hotels, described the market and demand for hotel rooms in Ramsey County noting at this time there was a demand that outweighed the supply. He explained he was proposing to construct a mid-scale hotel in this market. He stated he appreciated the visibility and access available on the Skyline Motel site and believed that a hotel would be the highest and best use for this property. Mr. Sowers indicated he was proposing to construct an 80-room hotel with 40 regular rooms and 40 extended stay rooms. He discussed the due diligence he would be completing for the project. He provided the EDA with a 3D video of the proposed Choice Hotel and further reviewed the hotel site plan. He commented on the timeline he would be following to close on the property. He estimated the hotel would take eight to twelve months to construct. Commissioner Meehlhause asked how the hotel would change if it were changed to an upper mid-scale hotel versus a midrange hotel. Mr. Ghylin reported a different hotel brand would be pursued, such as a Marriot or Hilton. Commissioner Meehlhause questioned if Medtronic’s visitors were staying in hotels in downtown Minneapolis. Assistant City Administrator Beeman stated this may be the case and described how Medtronic booked its extended stay hotels for visiting personnel. Commissioner Meehlhause inquired what zoning changes would be required for this project. Community Development Director Sevald indicated the site was currently zoned Industrial and would have to be rezoned to B-3 Highway Business. He explained this would require an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan. Commissioner Meehlhause asked how many jobs would be created by the proposed hotel. Mr. Ghylin estimated the hotel would generate 15 to 20 jobs long-term jobs. Commissioner Bergeron recommended the hotel have meeting rooms. President Mueller requested further clarification on how an extended stay hotel was defined. Mr.