WATSONVILLE — Construction of the new Hampton Inn & Suites, a four-story hotel perched on a 7.5-acre patch of land on Lee Road, is quickly taking shape.
The 112-room business, being built by Elite Development Inc. between Beach Road and Riverside Drive, has now reached the insulation, electrical and plumbing phase, said co-owner Juggy Tut. Barring any unexpected hurdles, Tut said he hopes to see the place up and running by the end of the year or in early January. Roof work is slated to be completed in December.
Also in the works will be a Starbucks with a drive-thru. Foundation work has just started for that business. Tut said an Arco AM/PM convenience store will also fit in the grand scheme.
“Right now we have two business locations that are up for grabs at this site,” Tut said.
The work is happening at the former site of the Indalex aluminum extrusion plant, which operated there for years before being torn down.
“I’m really excited about the project,” Tut said. “I’m glad to be able to do this here in my home town.”
The job is the first part of a two-phase order. The second phase, which has not begun, is slated to include a second hotel and other businesses. Work on that part could get going by the end of 2020.
Costs for the Hampton Inn & Suites and adjoining businesses is about $23 million.
Tut said his company is also working on an 80-unit housing complex in Gilroy and has paperwork moving ahead on a 121-unit project in Bakersfield.
“We’re hoping to start on that one soon,” he said. “We’re also waiting for permits on eight single-family homes and 27 duplexes in San Juan Bautista.”
