New Hotel to be Built on Walker Lake Road
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A developer from Columbus told Ontario City Council that a mid-2023 groundbreaking is planned for a 120-unit Home2 Suites by Hilton Hotel on Walker Lake Road just north of the current Cinemark 14 theater complex in the already-bustling shopping center.
Chris Knapton, director of development for Moment Development, told council members plans are to build the hotel, offices, a restaurant and multi-family residential units, including condos and town homes.
Knapton provided a preliminary rendering on an overhead projector, showing the development west of the existing shopping site. He said Ontario is a good area for building hotels.
He said Moment Development, which works with Mannik & Smith Group, has residential, retail and commercial developments in Worthington right now.
Council asked Knapton if there are any other projects similar to the one they are proposing in Ontario. Knapton said the company is working on a similar project in New Albany.
Knapton told council the company would be looking for tax abatements from the city on the project. Ten acres have been purchased.
Council approved the second of three readings for an ordinance adding planned unit development to the city planning and zoning code.
Mayor Randy Hutchinson said the hotel project has not yet been before planning commission.
