EDITORIAL: Development of a new campus hotel a boon for all parties involved
Developing a new on-campus hotel is a win-win for all parties involved and would enhance CMU's profile without it having to make a financial commitment.
Such a facility, which would include stadium suites, will actually generate revenue for the university through its lease agreement with Lodgco Management LLC. Through the agreement, Lodgco will pay to use the land — presently the current location of the football practice field adjacent to Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
CMU funds are not locked into the construction project. The funding, design and construction will be handled by Lodgco, which will work with University President George Ross in determining a fair market value for the land lease.
Lodgco President Michael Smith said the hotel — about five or six stories — will be designed to blend into existing CMU architecture if the board approves the project. The 150-room hotel would include indoor and outdoor pools, exercise facilities, a business center, restaurant, conference space and other features, only boosting CMU’s ability to entertain campus visitors.
There is a noticeable shortage of upscale hotel space in the city of Mount Pleasant, particularly surrounding the university.
Lodgco Management reported to the board of trustees its facility will be a full-service hotel, filling a void in the community. The new hotel will help ease frustration for thousands of travelers visiting CMU sporting events and the Soaring Eagle Casino year-round who find their visit obstructed by a lack of available lodging.
Also included in the design package were six to eight suites in the football stadium connected to the hotel by a glass atrium. During the winter months, these suites could be used for additional conference space. Director of Athletics Dave Heeke said there already is a waiting list of patrons lining up to use the new suites to enjoy CMU football games from a bird’s-eye view.
The hotel and increased number of suites will prove to pay off when the football team hosts Michigan State in 2012. Heeke has publicly discussed a temporary stadium expansion for the game, and extra suites will help generate more revenue for the athletics department.
Just as importantly, there is an invested academic interest in the proposal. Smith said students will benefit from internship opportunities and hands-on learning experiences.
Lodgco Management will host classrooms in the hotel for students in the fields of business, construction management and hospitality so they can see first-hand what they are learning about.
The move makes sense for CMU, as well as students and taxpayers, who can rest assured their tuition and tax money will not go toward the hotel.
If Lodgco Management is willing to invest about $25 million on a structure that will enhance the campus silhouette and improve the experience of visitors at no cost to CMU, then the campus community must give Lodgco the assurance that they are in support of their investment.
