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St. George looks into hotel developments

Posted at 9:59 PM, Jan 21, 2014
and last updated 2014-01-21 23:59:20-05

ST. GEORGE -- The city of St. George is exploring the possibility of two high-class hotels -- ones they say will keep up with a growing interest in Southern Utah for conventions.

The city published the request for proposals last week, looking for hotel firms interested in buying land to the east of the Dixie Center. The 20-plus acres are owned by the city.

Interest in the area as already been expressed.

“We’ve been contacted by people who are looking for space,” said Gary Esplin, St. George city manager.

The city imagines two- three- or four-star hotels occupying the land. The hotels would be full service, and would have to include at least 3,000 square feet of additional convention space to integrate with the Dixie Center. The hotels would add more than 200 hotel rooms for use by visitors.

“We have, almost every weekend, it appears that we’re full with soccer tournaments, baseball tournaments, softball tournaments, as well as conventions,” Esplin said.

The city will accept proposals until Feb. 10. After that, a public hearing will gather resident feedback on the proposals. Any sale of the property would have to be approved by the city council, but Esplin says they believe it would be an asset to the growing city.