What has been a sleepy bedroom community may soon become a resort destination when a proposed $101 million hotel complex becomes reality.

Missouri-based developer John Q. Hammons announced last year that his new project, a five-star a 10-story 300-suite Embassy Suites Hotel and 100,000 square foot convention center will be built in Pleasant Grove, a fact that has city officials thrilled.

"It'll be such a spectacular entrance to our city," said Richard Bradford, economic development director for Pleasant Grove. "We're hoping it'll draw people out of the freeway to our businesses and restaurants."

The project was unanimously approved by five boards of directors comprising nearly 40 members. The property will create 350 to 400 new jobs for the area and has spurred growth.

Hammons chose Pleasant Grove as the location of this project because of its central location and the impressive growth being experienced in Utah County.

In fact, Hammons has been so impressed by continued growth in the county that last Tuesday he announced his plans to expand the project by building a second 10-story, 220-room Courtyard by Marriott hotel.

Since the announcement of the project multiple developers have come forward with plans to build at the intersection of I-15 and Pleasant Grove Blvd. where the hotels and convention center are to be built.

This area, which some are calling the $350 million intersection, will include shopping centers, business parks and a multi-million dollar lifestyle center.

"The time is right to build upscale accommodations to meet the demand of the impressive growth being experienced by Utah County," Hammons stated.

Leisure travelers, top corporate America and other conventions that would normally bypass Utah County are among those who Bradford said would be attracted by the soon-to-be hotels and convention center.

"This facility will bring a new bracket of tourism to the state," Bradford said.

So what's the good news for Utah Valley hotel owners? The luxury-class hotels should not appeal to the mid-range and economy travelers that make up the bulk of the current tourist base.

"Will it take away from other properties? No. We've had other properties tell us that they will benefit from the wake of this project," Bradford said.

The city's officials believe the new development will contribute to the city.

"We share Mr. Hammons' vision for the growth potential of the area and believe his 49 years in hotel development and his world renown track record will benefit the entire county," said Mayor Michael Daniels of Pleasant Grove.



Copyright Brigham Young University 16 Jan 2007