A new three-story hotel with a wilderness theme is scheduled to begin construction this summer in south Fargo.
Kelly Inns Ltd., based in Sioux Falls, S.D., is planning to build a Kelly Inn & Suites at 1767 44th St. S., said company President Brenda Schmidt.
"We've been in Fargo for many years, and we feel it's a good market," she said.
The $4.5 million hotel will have 90 rooms - including 14 suites - high speed Internet, a business center, an indoor pool and a fitness room. There will also be a meeting room that can accommodate about 80 people.
The building will have a "log exterior" or "north woods" look, and carved bears will be placed around the hotel, Schmidt said. A grand fireplace will be in the lobby.
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"It's a unique look. People enjoy the ambiance of it. The kids love the bears and the theme," Schmidt said.
Kelly Inns Ltd. has about 20 hotels throughout North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Montana and Nebraska, including the Kelly Inn and Best Western Kelly Inn in Fargo.
Kelly Inn & Suites will employ about 25 people and is expected to open next summer, Schmidt said.
Three other hotels are under construction in Fargo: Candlewood Suites in the NDSU Research and Technology Park; Homewood Suites by Hilton, 2021 16th St. N.; and Staybridge Suites, 4300 20th Ave. S.
The hotels' opening dates are staggered throughout the spring and summer, said Cole Carley, executive director of the Fargo-Moorhead Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Cities typically go through spurts of hotel growth, he said.
"There will be years where there's no rooms added, and a year where there's a whole bunch," Carley said.
"That's kind of typical of hotel building patterns. When developers sense that there's some opportunity, then they make their move," he added.
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Readers can reach Forum reporter Teri Finneman at (701) 241-5560
