the dp has a story about a hotel that west philly can call its own!
(the same hotel that campus apartments is building for penn's hospital
patients):
http://thedp.com/article/embroiled-past-new-hotel
[check out the interactive timeline]
Embroiled past for new hotel
Hotel currently under construction was once moved due to community
outrage. It is slated for completion in spring 2012.
West Philadelphia will soon have a new hotel to call its own — both
to the praise and annoyance of its residents.
The Hilton Homewood Suites Extended Stay Hotel broke ground on Dec.
8, 2010, and will stand tall at eleven stories high.
According to a press release from the Brownstein group — Campus
Apartment’s communications firm — the hotel will encompass 110,000
square feet and consist of 136 suites. Each suite will have a full
kitchen, dining table and complimentary phone and Internet access.
Additional amenities include complimentary breakfast, a concierge,
shuttle services, a fitness center and an indoor pool.
However, opposition to the hotel’s construction in the residential
Spruce Hill community has been voiced since 2008. Spruce Hill
resident Chris O’Donnell urged to oppose the project in a February
Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting, whose approval was needed to
begin construction.
Despite a recommendation from the Philadelphia City Planning
Commission to approve the project on Sept. 16, 2008 and a $2 million
loan from the state, neighbors testifying in front of the ZBA held up
its approval.
In October 2009, the site of the hotel moved from 40th and Pine
streets to 41st and Walnut streets, but the complaints have not quite
stopped.
On Nov. 19, 2010, The Philadelphia Brownstoner blogged regarding the
demolition of a “gorgeous townhouse at 4107 Walnut Street” to make
way for the new hotel.
The project costs approximately $50 million but is highly subsidized.
It receives funding through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the
Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation, The Reinvestment
Fund, US Bank Community Development Corporation and Beneficial Bank.
The eco-friendly hotel is the flagship commercial project for
Philadelphia’s EnergyWorks program, a fund that provides low-interest
loans to finance sustainable building and redevelopment.
..
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