St. Joseph council backs $60 million bond intent for two-hotel project and large convention center

The St. Joseph City Council voted to approve a resolution of official intent to support the issuance of taxable industrial development revenue bonds in a principal amount of about $60,000,000 to benefit STJ Hotel Group and its proposed two-hotel, conference-center project.

The proposal presented by Steve Craig of STJ Hotel Group would place a Hilton-branded property — called the Rubadoux House at DoubleTree standards — and a Marriott Spring Hill Suites on an assembled site near the university and hospital. Craig told the council the combined project would include 253 guest rooms and "about a 30,000-plus square foot" conference or convention space intended to keep large events in St. Joseph rather than sending them to the Kansas City area.

Craig described several design and operational features he said are intended to attract conferences and trade shows: a ballroom just under 13,000 square feet capable of seating about 650 for a sit-down meal, adjacent pre-function and covered outdoor spaces, a roughly 3,000-square-foot lawn for outdoor events, and three large overhead doors allowing equipment or demonstration vehicles to be moved into the ballroom. He also highlighted a 24-foot clear ceiling to support heavy rigging, substantial LED signage for wayfinding and event messaging, and enlarged restroom layouts he said would improve guest experience.

"We have just under 13,000 square feet," Craig told the council, adding that the ballroom could accommodate large sit-down events and that the convention center is the central part of the developer’s case to the city.

Council members asked for elevations and other plan details; Craig agreed to provide additional drawings by email. The council then voted. The presiding officer announced the tally as seven ayes and one abstention; the motion carried.

The council's action at this meeting was a resolution of intent, a typical step that signals municipal support for pursuing bond financing and incentives but does not itself issue bonds or finalize incentive agreements. Next steps typically include drafting and approving any formal incentive agreements, final bond authorization if pursued, and additional permitting and design approvals. The developer did not provide a final cost breakdown or a timeline for construction during the presentation.

The council also moved other business on the agenda during the same meeting, including a multi-item consent agenda and a postponed public hearing on a community improvement district. The developer said he would email elevations and other materials to council members for follow-up.