No New Hotel For Swiftel Center In Brookings

by Jeff Rusack, Reporter
February 01, 2013 4:54 PM


“This probably isn't going to work this time around,” said Mayor Reed.

The Swiftel Center in Brookings is a stones throw from a half dozens hotels. But, Brookings Mayor, Tim Reed, says the city could use the extra rooms.

But, the real reason city officials want a hotel at the Swiftel Center is to attract more midweek visitors.
 
“I think this is a place where we can bring people in for conferences,” said Mayor Reed.  

And officials hope that those midweek visitors see what Brookings has to offer and want to keep coming back.

“What we're trying to do is try attract more events to Brookings. It's all about bringing visitors into Brookings. That’s good for the economy and that’s also good to show off Brookings for people who want to move here,” said Mayor Reed.  

After a study was done to see if the new hotel would be cost efficient was presented to the mayor and the city council, they decided now, wouldn't be the best time.

“The market for those kind of events and rooms were just a little less than what we were hoping we could do,” said Mayor Reed.  

Despite the plan being nixed, The Swiftel Center could still play host to future developments.

“I don't think we give this project up. I think we just have to look at it in a different way.  And it might be a couple years before we get it done,” said Mayor Reed.  

For now the city will just wait and use their new information to see how best to move forward.

“We just have to sit back and say, ‘OK,’ this one didn't work. What are some other avenues that we can get there?”