News Photo by Steve Schulwitz A rendering of the proposed Hampton Inn and Suites that was on display at the Alpena Township Planning Commission meeting on Tuesday shows what the 101-room hotel could look like when built on M-32. It is expected construction will begin in the spring and be completed in about 14 months thereafter.

ALPENA — A new 101-room hotel will be constructed on the M-32 corridor and ground could be broken for the project in the spring.

On Tuesday, the Alpena Township Planning Commission voted to approve design plans for the new Hampton Inn and Suites by Hilton to be built at the corner of Crittenden Court and M-32.

The developer — Amerilodge Group — already has ties to the Alpena area. It owns the Holiday Inn Express in downtown Alpena as well as other hotels in Gaylord.

Steve Aldridge, vice-president of sales and marketing for Amerilodge, said residents and visitors can expect a modern, state-of-the-art facility with all of the conveniences and comfort people expect when they stay in a hotel.

“It will have a nice selection of rooms, complimentary breakfast, and all the technology people need is all there for business travelers and great accommodations for weekend travelers as well,” Aldridge said. “There is also a pool, a fitness room and even a board room for people who need to conduct meetings.”

The Planning Commission didn’t have much to discuss as nearly all requirements were met for the project. There were some questions about landscaping and lighting, but Township Supervisor Nathan Skibbe said the most recent plan addresses any previously addressed deficiencies.

Alridge said the building plans still need to be approved, and then the needed permits can be pulled from the township. He said it was unlikely that will be accomplished before winter comes, so he anticipates construction will begin when the ground thaws and warmer weather arrives.

Once ground is broken, he said, it will take a bit more than a year to complete construction and open the doors to the hotel’s customers.

“We’re looking, right now, right around 14 months for the construction,” he said.

Skibbe thanked the commission for its expediency in approving the plans so that the project can continue to move forward. He also thanked Amerilodge for the investment it is making in the township.

“This is a really good thing for the township and it is going to be a great facility when it is done,” Skibbe said.