Proposed Kelly/Shorts Stadium hotel lease negotiations 'ongoing'
Action might finally happen on the proposed hotel to be built next to Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
Vice President of Finance and Administrative Services David Burdette presented an update on the status of the Lodgco hotel, initially scheduled to be completed in time for last year's football game against Michigan State, to the Central Michigan University Board of Trustees at the Finance and Facilities Committee on Wednesday.
Burdette said progress has been made when it comes to negotiating a lease with Lodgco, but the process is still "ongoing." As it currently stands, Lodgco would pay $5.2 million over 30 years to lease the land, paying $200,000 per year every year after that.
"It's difficult, frankly, to lease university land," Burdette said.
The 140-room, five-story, name-brand hotel would contain a 250-person conference center and classroom space. It would also employ hospitality students as interns.
Burdette said he hopes the board will receive a report on the project in September.
As previously reported by Central Michigan Life, the project was delayed last year due to greater than expected costs.
