Patel pledges hotel if stadium is built

Sandra ClarkUncategorized

As if any of you are still wondering whether the proposed baseball/multi-use stadium will be built, Tuesday’s press release from Cynthia Moxley at Moxley Carmichael should put those fears to rest. Here’s the release:

Local developer Nick Patel has announced that he will build a 127-room SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Knoxville’s Old City if the proposed baseball stadium and multi-use facility is approved.

“I’m excited about the growth of downtown Knoxville,” Patel said. “The stadium is a much-needed element to help refresh and revitalize the Old City. It brings a great new energy, and I want to contribute to the momentum.”

Patel said the five-story, $22 million hotel will be designed to have an upscale, historic feel similar to other buildings in the Old City; it also will complement the design of the proposed stadium. He already acquired the land needed for the project: a half-acre lot next to Barley’s restaurant and bar on Jackson Avenue, and a one-acre lot across the street for parking.

Patel, a University of Tennessee graduate, is president of TCH Knoxville LLC, which owns seven other hotels in Knox and Sevier counties. Patel’s company, Old City Ventures, will develop the new SpringHill Suites by Marriott.

“Knoxville is my home,” Patel said. “I grew up in Strawberry Plains, and this place is close to my heart. Like my local mentors, David Dewhirst, Mark Heinz and Tim Hill – who laid a lot of groundwork toward Knoxville’s growth – I am thrilled to be a part of our city’s continued success.”

Patel said the stadium would be a huge addition to the city and help contribute to Knoxville’s family-friendly downtown environment.

“You can feel the positive energy walking around parts of downtown Knoxville,” Patel said. “We want to bring that same energy to the Old City. The stadium is a key element to that.”

The SpringHill Suites by Marriott brand appeals to business travelers and leisure guests alike, he said. All the rooms are suites, and breakfast is included with each stay.

“This is a really important decision for Knoxville,” Patel said, referring to the stadium project that now is being considered by the Knoxville-Knox County Sports Authority and must be approved by Knoxville City Council and Knox County Commission.

“I am committed to bringing the hotel if the stadium comes,” he said.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *