Bisonguy
07-09-2004, 07:26 PM
Looks like NDSU is finally getting the ball rolling on the on-campus hotel they've been talking about for a while:
NDSU foundation has hotel estimate (http://www.in-forum.com/articles/index.cfm?id=63120&section=News)
Good news for NDSU and the Technology Park. ;D
The North Dakota State University Development Foundation would need to cement plans for a campus hotel by mid-August to start construction yet this fall, Executive Director James Miller said Thursday.
So far, the foundation isn't seeking out developers to build a hotel on campus, Miller said.
However, Miller did release a ballpark construction cost of $4 million to $5 million after discussing the hotel project with leaders of NDSU's hospitality and tourism management program.
University officials say a campus hotel could serve as a training ground for students enrolled in the program.
The hotel would be located in the NDSU Research and Technology Park, Miller said.
Two companies tied to the park, Phoenix International and Alien Technology Corp., have voiced support for the concept, Miller said. Their comments were part of a study completed this spring by a Colorado consulting firm, which concluded the hotel could operate profitably.
NDSU has been toying with the idea of a campus hotel since the early 1990s. School administrators support a project that would combine hotel space for the community and learning opportunities for students, NDSU spokesman David Walberg said.
The foundation would lease land in the research park to a hotel developer, who would secure a hotel – preferably a major franchise, Miller said.
Foundation officials are working with nearby Hector International Airport to make sure the proposed hotel won't interfere with its airspace, Miller said.
Plans for buildings near the airport must pass an airspace study by the Federal Aviation Administration, said Shawn Dobberstein, executive director of the airport.
Dobberstein said the FAA can take up to 90 days to complete the study, which would put the hotel project on a tight schedule for fall construction.
"If we're going to fast-track this, we're going to have to come to closure by mid-August, I would imagine," Miller said.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Mike Nowatzki at (701) 241-5528
NDSU foundation has hotel estimate (http://www.in-forum.com/articles/index.cfm?id=63120&section=News)
Good news for NDSU and the Technology Park. ;D
The North Dakota State University Development Foundation would need to cement plans for a campus hotel by mid-August to start construction yet this fall, Executive Director James Miller said Thursday.
So far, the foundation isn't seeking out developers to build a hotel on campus, Miller said.
However, Miller did release a ballpark construction cost of $4 million to $5 million after discussing the hotel project with leaders of NDSU's hospitality and tourism management program.
University officials say a campus hotel could serve as a training ground for students enrolled in the program.
The hotel would be located in the NDSU Research and Technology Park, Miller said.
Two companies tied to the park, Phoenix International and Alien Technology Corp., have voiced support for the concept, Miller said. Their comments were part of a study completed this spring by a Colorado consulting firm, which concluded the hotel could operate profitably.
NDSU has been toying with the idea of a campus hotel since the early 1990s. School administrators support a project that would combine hotel space for the community and learning opportunities for students, NDSU spokesman David Walberg said.
The foundation would lease land in the research park to a hotel developer, who would secure a hotel – preferably a major franchise, Miller said.
Foundation officials are working with nearby Hector International Airport to make sure the proposed hotel won't interfere with its airspace, Miller said.
Plans for buildings near the airport must pass an airspace study by the Federal Aviation Administration, said Shawn Dobberstein, executive director of the airport.
Dobberstein said the FAA can take up to 90 days to complete the study, which would put the hotel project on a tight schedule for fall construction.
"If we're going to fast-track this, we're going to have to come to closure by mid-August, I would imagine," Miller said.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Mike Nowatzki at (701) 241-5528