Mt. Lebanon could soon see its first ever hotel. Plans are underway to bring an $11 million hotel to the 600 block of
Washington Rd. in the community’s central business district.
Kratsa Properties plans to build a 98-room
SpringHill Suites hotel on a 12,600 square-foot parcel that is currently a metered parking lot.
Mt. Lebanon’s Parking Authority and Commission have just approved the sale of the parcel for $450,000.
“The developer will talk with us about the size, chain and number of rooms, to see what the market demands. My understanding is that they're not asking for any tax assistance," says Mt. Lebanon’s municipal planner Keith McGill.
"There's really no other hotel in that market. We love the boutique feel of Mt. Lebanon and the easy transportation to Downtown and
Station Square," adds David Cocco, with Kratsa Properties, who describes the hotel as "more of an urban type of SpringHill Suites." Construction is expected to begin during the spring of 2008.
Located within walking distance to Mt. Lebanon’s light rail station, as well as numerous restaurants, galleries and boutiques, the site was previously considered for a
Trader Joe’s market. “They’re not the first developer to approach us. The consensus is that there’s a market for a hotel,” adds McGill. “It will meet the needs of business travelers and residents who have family from out of town on extended visits.”
The closest hotels to Mt. Lebanon are located in
Bethel Park and
Green Tree. “Our comprehensive development plan identified a need for a hotel in town and residential, commercial and retail plans for vacant or underdeveloped areas,” says Rich Sahar, with Mt. Lebanon’s Parking Authority. “It’s on the existing footprint. That’s what’s so interesting and exciting.”
Writer:
Jennifer BaronSource: Keith McGill and Rich Sahar, Mt. Lebanon; David Gocco, Kratsa Properties
Photograph copyright © Jonathan Greene