News

HAMPTON INN TO OPEN NEW LOCATION IN PB

By Erin France/OF THE COMMERCIAL STAFF
Tuesday, September 2, 2008 9:31 AM CDT

Mounds of orange-red dirt mark the tract soon to become the site of a Hampton Inn, another indication of Pine Bluff’s rising commercial viability.

A SWPPP worker packs dirt in preparation for the construction of a new Hampton Inn on Olive Street near I-530. Pine Bluff Commercial/Mike Adam

The piles signify the beginnings of the hotel’s construction on South Olive Street, north of Interstate 530 and just west of the Wal-Mart Supercenter.

Robert Tucker, director of inspection and zoning for the city of Pine Bluff, said the proposal for the hotel passed through the planning office in mid-July.

The hotel is slated to contain 80 to 85 rooms in four floors.

“I believe it’s going to open in August. One year from now,” Tucker said.

Pine Bluff Host Lodging LLC, bought the 87,067-square-foot tract in June 2007 for $436,000. That’s about $5 a square foot.

Similar property in the area has sold for more. One of the major price factors is whether construction crews involved trucking in extra soil to level and elevate the property.

While some lots in the area remain unsold, Smiles Inc. and Union Bank and Trust bought lots close to the planned Hampton Inn.

City Planning Commission Chairman Lou Taylor said at a planning meeting Tuesday afternoon that members should be proud of seeing the earthworks rise.

For the last seven or eight years, the area north of the intersection of Olive Street and I-530 has expanded, he said.

“It’s been a godsend as far as revenue for the city,” Taylor said.

He added that he hopes Pine Bluff can ride a wave of economic opportunity and attract companies such as Burlington Coat Factory, the International House of Pancakes and Walgreens.

Tucker also said he was excited at the prospect of attracting more business to the strip.

“Any new development, particularly a hotel, proves the ability of Pine Bluff to host travelers and helps the city out in a variety of ways,” he said. “Those people are going to want services.”

Print this story   |   Email this story