A new developer is looking at another location for the proposed Columbus conference center. A previous company was interested in the parking lot north of the county jail.
Columbus Mayor Jim Lienhoop says the city reached an impasse with Sprague Hotel Developers and are now in talks with Dora Hotel Company.
“We're kind of taking that proverbial step backwards right now and try to take a deeper look or a broader look as to just where this would go. And again, how much it's really going to cost?”
He says a consultant study indicated a conference center is still a viable amenity after the pandemic. Dora developers are looking at a site near the downtown post office.
“He's already got a hotel over there, and there's an existing parking garage over there, the project that we contemplated would require the construction of a parking garage,” Lienhoop said.
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He says there are also existing surface lots that could help with parking, but all the logistics will need to be worked out – especially how to connect the hotel with the conference center.
