Drury Hotels withdraws plans for Jefferson City conference center

Drury Development Corporation informed Jefferson City officials the company is withdrawing itself from the conference center selection process.

In a letter to the city, the company listed several observations they made during their review of the project.

Drury told City Administrator Nathan Nickolaus that a location on McCarty Street would be the best option out of several proposed locations.

Drury warned city officials that the operating cost and future renovation cost of the conference center will likely exceed operating revenues generated by the center. They advised

The company also said they are wary of the current occupancy and average daily rate

With Drury Development Corporation out of the running, two other developers are still in the selection process. Hannibal-based Ehrhardt Hospitality Group and Jefferson City-based Farmer Holding Company are still moving forward with their plans for a conference center.