By Adam Studzinski
NORMAL – First it was a Sheraton, then a Holiday Inn, and in 8 to 10 months the property in North Normal near Interstate 55 will be a Radisson Hotel.
The building has been vacant for 16 years and the property owners, Swift Hospitality Group, bought the land in 2010. Chairman and CEO David Swift said his company stuck with the project because they believe in the market.
“We believe in this location. We believe in this brand. We were very committed to staying with the project and not giving up,” he said.
A groundbreaking for the renovation took place Tuesday.
“Come back in 10 months and you won’t know the place,” said Swift. “The complete exterior facade will be redone and rejuvenated and remodeled; new paint scheme, new signage, landscaping parking lot, everything on the exterior.
“Basically, when we’re done with this property it’ll be brand new. It’ll be just like we build it ground up.”
Normal City Manager Mark Peterson gave Swift credit for persevering with the property.
“They believed in it when they purchased it. It was not an easy project to finance,” said Peterson. “They had opportunities to sell it. They chose not to do that.”
Swift said the project has an $18 million budget. The town is providing financial assistance in the form of a Tax Increment Financing district which was placed on the property.
Adam Studzinski can be reached at adam.studzinski@cumulus.com.
