As I was leaving the EOP presentation on CentrePointe recently, I struck up a conversation with Tom Eblen – actually introduced myself to him – and we spoke of our reactions. We were both fairly positive about the whole thing, yet Tom still feels that a 21c type boutique hotel is more needed than the convention style which is proposed. Maybe we can both get our wishes.
A consistent rumor going around is that there is extreme interest in a boutique hotel and it centers on the Main and Upper intersection. The First National building, the McKim, Meade & White building, has long been marketed but with few nibbles. As of now, the leases are not being renewed and many believe that a sale is in the air. Speculation, including that on my part, is growing that this will be the conversion of a lifetime and we get our 21c type hotel. Right in the middle of all the downtown action.
If anyone has more to share, I have time to listen.
