Major Jefferson City hotel development moves forward

The Jefferson City Council gave approval Monday for developers to construct a new hotel on the former Truman Hotel property.

ABC 17 News reported in February- the council approved an urban renewal plan for the Puri Group of Enterprises to redevelop the blighted property, which sits off Highway 54. That gives the developers a 10-year tax abatement on any improvements they make.

The developers have already demolished the buildings on the site.

The special-exception permit approved Monday will allow the group to build the first of two new hotels. It will be a Holiday Inn with a Cheerleader Pub and Grill.

The first hotel will be larger than 100,000 square feet, which is one reason why a special-exception permit was needed. The new hotel will be 75 feet tall, which is 15 feet higher than allowed in the current commercial zoning. That was another reason for the permit.

Fifth Ward Councilman Larry Henry said the move is an exciting step for the ward and the entire city.

“I drive past there every day and have for the last year and a half, and just kind of seen how bad it’s really looked,” Henry said. “We’ve gotten a lot of complaints about that on the appearance of that particular area. And for this to go through and kind of get expedited at this point, that’s going to be a great addition to the city.”

Developers will then go through the process of building a second hotel and large conference center on the property.

Under the urban renewal plan agreement, the developers must finish construction of the entire project within 18 months of its start date.