Serving as a catalyst to attract a new Sheraton Hotel and Marina

In 1980, responding to the crisis situation, the newly chartered organization known as Swiss Bear, hired a full-time director using city, county, and private funding and identified the development of the urban renewal land as a key to the downtown’s future.  The consensus of the Swiss Bear Board of Directors (composed of local officials, community leaders, and businessmen) was to conduct a market study to determine the highest and best use of the remaining twelve acre tract which had been vacant since 1970 and was being used as an informal park.

The City agreed to Swiss Bear’s request to place a freeze on further sales of individual parcels on the site until a marketing study could be completed.  It was believed that a unified development was needed, one that would complement the existing downtown rather than relocating existing businesses to that site.

Swiss Bear coordinated the $45,000 study (funded by a $15,000 Kellenberger Historical Foundation grant), matched by the city and county.  Upon completion, the study reinforced the belief that the waterfront represented a valuable under-utilized resource, and confirmed the need for a 100 room hotel/motel with meeting facilities and a marina.

The recruiting and selection process included members of the Swiss Bear organization and local officials who aggressively courted interested developers.  The strong show of local support sent a clear message that the revitalization program would enhance and promote the development of the business market.

To facilitate the process, Swiss Bear and community members evaluated proposals from three developers and elected officials accepted their final recommendation.  As the City was not financially in a position to underwrite land costs or make any of the traditional infrastructure improvements, i.e., streets, sidewalks, and water sewer facilities, the group explored the possibility of acquiring state and/or federal grants to make the project financially feasible.

When it became apparent a federal Urban Development Action Grant was possible, a formal contract outlining the terms and responsibilities of both parties (developer and city) was negotiated.  Political support for the project again involved Swiss Bear members who continued to entertain bankers, appraisers, analysts, designers, and architects and communicated the City’s confidence in its future growth.  The $13 million waterfront Sheraton Hotel and Marina, (today known as the Hilton) partially funded by a $1.9 million Urban Development Action Grant became a community showpiece, upon completion, in November 1987.

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director



Sheraton/Hilton Hotel and Marina - Today

 

Twelve Acre Tract - Before