Staybridge Suites planned for Central Entrance

Staybridge Suites is looking to enter the Duluth market with a hotel being developed on the corner of Central Entrance and Blackman Avenue. Northridge Construction Inc will go before the Duluth Planning Commission tonight with plans for the 98 room, four story extended stay hotel.

We reported on the project a month ago when plans for a hotel were originally set to go before the planning commission. However, developers requested that the presentation be pushed back a month. At that time we were thinking that the hotel could be one of three concepts, Staybridge Suites being a contender.

If you're unfamiliar with Staybridge Suites itself you're probably more familiar with their parent company InterContinental Hotels Group as they are responsible for many hotel chains across the world including Holiday Inn and Suites. That hotel chain is also expanding with a Holiday Inn Express in Hermantown starting construction in March.

Here's what you should know about Staybridge Suites.

It's that not every day that a city just gets one these great hotels. They're a pretty big deal and pretty special. The hotel chain is currently expanding with 88 hotels in development (Duluth being one of those). Now these hotels are designed for extended stays meaning they offer rooms with kitchens, living rooms, and overall just a larger square footage. They are just beautiful, modern rooms. Should we say it again?

The hotel planned for Central Entrance would feature 98 rooms, an indoor pool and hot tub and a also a commons area. Staybridge Suites typically does provide a delicious breakfast option too within that commons area. 100 parking spots would be provided on site with access Clearwater Road. However, some area residents who would like to see the addition of a controlled intersection that would also address the traffic concern of turning onto Central Entrance from Blackman Avenue which is expected to worsen with the added hotel traffic.

Developers will meet with the Planning Commission tonight where all is expected to go smoothly as the land is already zoned for commercial development.

As always, check back here at CDINDULUTH regarding news and updates for this project and many more within the Twin Ports.

Our View

We're quite excited that Staybridge Suites has decided to make Duluth their newest home as we have wished for this particular hotel chain to enter the market for many years now. Here's why.

First off the city of Duluth needs more extended stay hotel concepts as currently the city only has one (Residence Inn and Suites). Adding more choices for an extended stay will encourage more growth for the city in the business sector and provide lodging options for young professionals and those who are simply in between homes.

Second, Staybridge Suites hotels are beautiful both inside and out. The construction of the hotel really is going to make a huge impact on a corner and site that has remained undeveloped for quite sometime now even though it lies on one of the most heavily trafficked roads in the city of Duluth.

Third, the hotel will promote significant growth along Central Entrance. Sites nearest to the hotel are most likely to be redeveloped quite quickly as hotel patrons often attract restaurants and other amenity retail options. This hotel development, along with the Central High School site redevelopment really are poised to create a development boom in an area that drastically needs a refreshment.

Lastly, two words. Grandma's Marathon. More hotel rooms are never a bad idea when it comes to that time of the year.