Mr. John Q. Hammons today announced his plans to develop three hotels comprising 600 total guest rooms and an 80,000-square-foot convention center in La Vista, Neb. The 260-suite Embassy Suites Hotel, 220-room Courtyard by Marriott and 120-room Residence Inn by Marriott will connect to the new convention center. The properties will be managed by Springfield, Mo.-based John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts, LLC, the nation’s leading independent builder, developer, owner and manager of upscale, full-service hotels, resorts and suites. The convention center is a joint venture between John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts and the city of La Vista.
Construction of the hotels and convention center is slated to begin in March 2006, and the properties are scheduled to open in fall 2007. Strategically located southwest of the thriving metropolitan area of Omaha, Neb., the properties will be situated at the intersection of Interstate 80 and Interstate 680 in the southwest quadrant, minutes away from Eppley Airfield. The segment of I-80 between Omaha and Lincoln, Neb., is also in the process of being widened to a six-lane freeway to accommodate expansion and will be complete in the fall of 2006.
Cabela’s Incorporated, the World’s Foremost Outfitter of hunting, fishing and outdoor gear, has also announced plans to construct an outdoor recreation superstore in the same 400-acre development where Mr. Hammons’ hotels and convention center will be built, enhancing the site as a premier tourist and business destination. Headquartered in Sidney, Neb., Cabela’s is the nation’s largest direct marketer and a leading specialty retailer of hunting, fishing, camping and related outdoor merchandise. Cabela’s expects to open the retail showroom as early as fall 2006.
“The rapid commercial, industrial and residential development of La Vista and its convenient location just across the freeway from Omaha make the community a natural fit for my hotel development strategy,” said Mr. John Q. Hammons, founder, chairman and chief executive officer of John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts, LLC. “I have been involved in the Omaha market for years, and due to the continued growth, I am planning two more hotels in the western Omaha area in the near future.”
In addition to the hotels planned for La Vista and the surrounding Omaha area, the company owns and operates the Embassy Suites Downtown-Old Market adjacent to the ConAgra campus in Omaha and the Embassy Suites -Lincoln at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln.
“As the fastest growing city in the state of Nebraska, La Vista has a tremendous need for full-service, upscale lodging and a first-rate convention center,” said Harold “Andy” Anderson, mayor of La Vista, Neb. “I am confident that the combination of well-known hotel brands and Mr. Hammons’ reputation for exceptional properties and service will make this project a vital addition to the community.”
The city of La Vista continues to be committed to new development. It has supported construction of a new state-of-the-art police department facility, city hall and community center. A new library also was built as a joint project with Metropolitan Community College.
Nearby Omaha, Neb., also is experiencing growth through urban renewal and economic expansion. The city is home to the new Gallup World Headquarters, the 40-story First National Bank Tower and a new headquarters building for the Union Pacific Railroad. Omaha’s downtown revitalization also includes riverfront parks, pedestrian areas and many new restaurants and retail outlets.
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