As the city prepares for renovations on the former Red Lion Hotel in Downtown, many business owners in the area expect to see an increase in traffic.
The city announced a $27 million economic development project earlier this week that includes converting the building into a Marriott-branded hotel, making it fit for lodging out-of-towners coming to St. Joseph.
“I don’t see a single negative consequence of fixing an eyesore into a usable and tax-producing business that will bring outside revenue to Downtown,” said Mike Olinger, owner of Angry Swede Brewing Company, located at 513 Francis St.
It’s been several years since the building was last serviceable Downtown. HDDA, the company that owns the hotel, has been trying to fast-forward the project. In November, it offered a $10,000 incentive package to…
