The Starke County Council heard from Starke County Economic Development Foundation (SCEDF) Executive Director Lisa Dan during their meeting Monday.
Executive Director Dan gave an update on the hotel project the foundation has been working on.
County Council President Dave Pearman and Vice President Kay Gudeman both stated the project put forth by Wyndham was the best option for the community. Pearman added, in this case the cheapest option doesn’t look like the best fit for Starke County. A decision has not been made and SCEDF is still in the planning process.
Several months ago, a feasibility study, funded by the City of Knox and the Starke County Convention and Visitors Commission (CVC), found that Knox could support a 50 to 60 room hotel. It also identified three possible locations on U.S. 35 at the southern edge of the city limits due to the proximity of restaurants and available municipal water and sewer connections.
Of the individual businesses surveyed as part of the feasibility study, 80 percent identified a specific need for lodging and nearly 94 percent said there is a need in Knox for a new hotel. These needs include business accommodations and leisure travel, athletic tournaments in our local parks and schools and visits to amenities like Starke County’s lakes, the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum and Erie Trail.
Medical providers like Northwest Health and Lutheran Air Ambulance also need short-term accommodations for employees and public safety officers whose dogs train at Jager Elite K9 need of a place to stay. Nearby schools like Marian University’s Ancilla College and Culver Military Academy are also in need of lodging for visitors.
To proceed, SCEDF and the county need local investors. If you are interested in becoming an investor, please contact SCEDF Executive Director Lisa Dan at 574-772-5627 for more information.
