Design approved for new convention center hotel, plans move forward | Business

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) – Leaders in Wilmington learned Friday they have approval for the construction of the convention center hotel which will be an Embassy Suites.

Council members took a first look at the architecture for the $33 million project during a mini-retreat Friday.

The plans call for a six-floor hotel with 186 rooms, an indoor pool, banquet space, glass elevators, a grand staircase, and a riverfront sports bar and restaurant.

It has taken a long time for the project to get the green light because Hilton Hotels had been rejecting designs for the hotel. After a number of submissions, meetings and discussions, they finally approved the project.

City leaders were pleased to hear the news and say they're ready to get underway with this investment.

Harmony Hospitality, the group heading up the project, has asked that Wilmington City Council expedite the permit process as quickly as possible. They say they've already received the okay on funding from Wells Fargo. Another bank will also be in the area next week with interest in the project.

Harmony Hospitality also asked City Council to secure at least 250 parking spaces in the Convention Center parking deck to solely be used for hotel guests.

An opening date for the new hotel is slated for May or June 2014.

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