TORRINGTON – Monday marks a new era for 1306 Main St. in Torrington, as local owners and investors will break ground on the empty lot – once home to Covello Motor Company – in anticipation of a new Cobblestone Hotel & Suites.
The three-story, 54-room structure will be worth an estimated $5.8 million, and bring 10 or more new jobs to the area, with an economic impact of $435,000 in tax revenues for the state and $315,000 for the city during a five-year period, according to Ashley Harpstreith, executive director and CEO of Goshen County Economic Development Corporation.
GCEDC collaborated to help bring the business here, including completing a Hotel Feasibility Study, an environmental assessment for redevelopment via a grant, and assisting developers in prepping the site. Some funding came from GCEDC’s Progress Program, which is supported by the 1/4-cent sales tax, which is up for renewal again this year in the November General Election.
“Tourism is a thriving economy – the No. 2 economy in the state,” Harpstreith said. “We’re ready to get a piece of it … that’s a big win.”
Because the hotel represents community investment – with local buy-in and local control – GCEDC believes it “will create a sustainable and well-taken-care-of property,” she said.
In addition to 54 guest rooms, the hotel will feature a conference room, fitness room, pool, guest laundry, convenience store, wine-and-beer bar, and free, hot breakfast for all guests, GCEDC says.
“It offers a mix of king-bed suites, double queen-bed suites, and two-room extended stay suites. All rooms have a microwave, mini-fridge, flat-screen TV, and WiFi throughout the hotel. This hotel will have granite counter tops throughout the property, a guest business center, and a fireplace in the lobby.”
The public is invited to attend Monday’s groundbreaking ceremony, which begins at 10 a.m.
“Cobblestone Hotels, GCEDC, Brimark Builders, and WHG (Companies, LLC.), are proud to be part of this project, as well as having the opportunity to work with the community of Torrington,” GCEDC said in a statement.
For more information, or to view photos of completed Cobblestone Hotel & Suites, visit www.cobblestonehotels.com.
