Plans proceeding for construction of downtown Fredericksburg hotel

Date published: 1/5/2008

BY BILL FREEHLING

The construction of a Courtyard by Marriott hotel in downtown Fredericksburg is expected to start today with the demolition of the old police records building.

The building is at the corner of Caroline and Charlotte streets. It's part of a half-acre of land that hotel developers bought from the city for $1.1 million. The land also includes a parking lot.

Fredericksburg police moved out of the records building in mid-July. The department is now located in a new headquarters building on Cowan Boulevard.

Preparation for construction is expected to start today after the 7 a.m. demolition. A groundbreaking ceremony with local officials is planned at noon Friday. Opening is scheduled for spring 2009.

The 98-room Courtyard by Marriott is being developed by Northern Virginia hoteliers Rich Palmer and Barry Gosnell, and local developer Tommy Mitchell.

Plans call for meeting and conference space, an indoor pool and spa, an exercise room, a casual restaurant focusing on breakfast and a four-story atrium.

Local architect James McGhee designed the hotel's brick exterior. G.L.M.G. General Contractors, a local firm, has been hired as the general contractor. That firm also built the Wilson Building on Caroline Street.

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Date published: 1/5/2008