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Consultant study recommends 80–90-room upscale hotel near Marion’s uptown; council briefed
Summary
City staff presented a hotel market feasibility study recommending an upper‑midscale to upscale 80–90‑room property near the Uptown corridor, estimating a $21 million five‑year economic impact and 8–12 full‑time jobs; consultant was unavailable and a local hotel operator offered to share operating data.
Kim, a city staff member filling in for the absent consultant, briefed the Marion City Council on a hotel market feasibility study prepared by Jessica Junker of Chorus Stations. The study recommends an upper‑midscale to upscale hotel of roughly 80 to 90 guest rooms targeted to the Uptown area and estimates the property would generate 8 to 12 full‑time jobs.
The presentation said the study projects about $21,000,000 in local economic impact over five years from one or two such hotels, and that demand drivers include health‑care facilities, manufacturing and distribution, events, and training activities at the local Walmart distribution/training site. Kim said the study’s pro forma shows first‑to‑fifth year occupancy and return‑on‑investment ranges the consultant described as “quite impressive,” noting that “anything above 60% is a great occupancy rate.”
The consultant prepared a 55‑page report with detailed perfomas, Kim said; Jessica Junker was not present because of a family emergency but is available to attend a future meeting to answer questions. Mike Esker, speaking on behalf of Troy Hart and Hart Hospitality Group, told the council his company was not contacted as part of the study and offered to share occupancy and operating data from the hotel it recently opened at East Town Crossing to improve local assumptions.
Council members asked for clarification about the recommended hotel location and product. Kim said the consultant strongly preferred a site inside the Uptown area or at the Uptown corridor edge to capture walkability to restaurants and retail. Council members also asked for a clearer definition of “upscale” beyond price point and for details on amenities; Kim said the study referenced food and beverage service (wine and beer sales were mentioned) and that the team could obtain the price‑point comparables and amenity lists from the consultant.
The council did not take formal action on the study at the meeting. Staff said the full report will be provided to council members and that Jessica Junker can return to answer detailed questions at a future meeting.
