That major work you see along U.S. Route 50 near the entrance to Emily Drive just into Bridgeport isn’t a renovation of an old hotel taking place. Instead, it’s work that’s nearing completion on a roughly $5 million facility that is set to open its doors for business a little less than a month from now – March 19 to be exact.

 

The new, four-story building is a SpringHill Suites. The hotel chain is part of the Marriott family of hotels and will be located right beside another member of that family – TownePlace Suites in Bridgeport.

 

The new SpringHill Suites is situated just off U.S. Route 50/Main Street on Platinum Drive. It will be located in the location of the former Travel Lodge that was demolished in 2013. Prior to it being the Travel Lodge, which is situated just past the Wendy’s at the Emily Drive intersection, the hotel was the Knight’s Inn for many years.

 

“We’re excited for this property to just about be ready to be open,” said Kayla Grant, Dual Property Sales Manager for both Marriott properties on Platinum Drive. “This will be a 97-room hotel; all suites.”

 

The general contractor for the project is EHA of Buffalo, Inc., which is out of Buffalo, NY. Grant said the contractors are on schedule with the work and that they are getting close to the end of the road on that front.

 

“We’ve actually given a few hardhat tours of the building,” said Grant. “We’re getting close to the punch-out list for the contractor and a lot of the rooms are finished.”

 

The work right now, Grant said, is focused mainly on the lobby area. She said the contractors have worked from the top to the bottom to help in removing the mess and getting it ready to provide the stay those accustomed to the SpringHill brand expect.

 

Among the amenities are a complimentary breakfast and complimentary Wi-Fi. There will also be three patio areas, including one for an indoor pool, a small one in the bar area and a patio off the front of the hotel. There are also meeting spaces, fitness rooms and complimentary laundry.

 

Grant said she wasn’t sure if it’s common to have two Marriott facilities situated directly beside one another. However, she said individuals shouldn’t be concerned that it’s the same type of lodging.

 

“They represent two different markets. SpringHill is a bit more upscale and traditional, while TownePlace is the extended stay,” said Grant. “Both meet the needs of those staying there and beyond.”

 

Although the opening is a month away, Grant said rooms are already being filled.

 

“It’s actually going well as far as booking rooms,” she said. “I’m very pleased with how that is going and believe that those staying at this new SpringHill Suites will be pleased as well.”

 

The project is also a boon to the city's financial coffers. The taxes generated from a $5 million hotel produces roughly $100,000 in tax revenue for the city.

 

Editor's Note: Workers have been putting the finishing touches on the SpringHill Suites set to open in March.