A developer will speak Monday with Iola City Council members about his plans to build a new hotel on the east edge of town.
Bill Michaud has acquired a franchise agreement to build and manage Iola Sleep Inn & Suites.
The $4.5 million project will be built on property owned by Bill McAdam, just east of Bill’s Way and near the U.S. 169-U.S. 54 bypass.
Michaud owns the Fort Scott Sleep Inn, which opened its doors in 2015.
According to a fact sheet prepared for the Council, the hotel would have 55-60 rooms, an indoor pool, fitness center, small conference center.
Hopes are to begin construction by the end of the year.
There are 368 Sleep Inn franchises across the country.
In addition to the hotel, Dave Lipe, owner of Sharky’s Pub & Grub restaurants in Fort Scott and Nevada, Mo., will pursue development of a restaurant in Iola after he gets another Sharky’s franchise up and going in Pittsburg. Sharky’s would be adjacent to the hotel.
IN OTHER matters, Bill Maness, economic development program manager at Thrive Allen County, will be on hand to discuss a proposed public restroom on the courthouse square.
Thrive is seeking to add restrooms to the pocket park on South Jefferson Avenue.
Thrive will pursue grant funding to pay for the facility.
Council members also will discuss once again proposed changes to the city’s purchasing policies.
Monday’s 6 p.m. meeting will be at the New Community Building in Riverside Park. The public is invited.
Hotel pitches Iola site
