The ongoing discussion on whether to approve of Woodstock Hotel, Inc.’s petition to construct a four-story, 100 room Hampton Inn Hotel appears to be getting some traction within the confines of Huntley’s body of government. As of July 13, the Huntley Plan Commission recommended the approval of the hotel project by a vote of four to one.
The 63,208 square foot hotel is slated to occupy 3.7 acres of the 11.3-acre Lot 2 of the Huntley Crossings Final Plat of Subdivision, with the main entrance to face towards Route 47.
An unincorporated Powers Road homeowner raised concern at the July 13 public hearing regarding the height of the building and the potential precedent it would set for future buildings on the Huntley Crossings property, however there were no further comments in opposition or in support of the project from other residents present at the meeting. Overall, the project appears to have garnered a positive response from Huntley officials regardless of the height concerns.
Charles Nordman, Director of Development Services, stated that no further action is needed on behalf of the Plan Commission and next steps will be discussed in the Village Board’s upcoming meeting on July 23.
Based on the Board’s meeting agenda, the topic of discussion for the Hampton Inn project will primarily focus on an ordinance authorizing the approval and execution of a Business Development Agreement between the Village of Huntley and Woodstock Hotels, Inc.
When questioned about when construction on the hotel will be anticipated to take place, Nordman responded via email correspondence with, “Late summer/fall 2020.”
The Village of Huntley’s meeting documents indicate the expectant date for the hotel to open for occupancy to be December 31, 2021. The document also indicates that if the hotel fails to operate by that date, then the Business Development Agreement may be terminated. Though it does appear that the Village has the option to extend that date if need be.
Once construction is complete, guests at the new Hampton Inn Hotel can expect to be greeted by amenities including an indoor pool, breakfast area and a meeting room capable of seating 34 people.
Village officials anticipate this project to create 22 jobs and, “serve as a catalyst to attract other businesses in proximity to the hotel.”
It’s only a matter of time to see how this project will fare as Huntley residents early await the arrival of a new, much needed business in the area.
