Wilmington officials OK Convention Center hotel

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Wilmington City Council members quickly and unanimously approved a hotel for the convention center in downtown Wilmington Tuesday night.

From small business owners to city leaders to Wilmington residents, several people spoke in favor of the agreement between Wilmington and Harmony Hospitality.

Mayor Bill Saffo says the city negotiated for years to build the $33 million Embassy Suites that could bring in $800,000 to the city each year.

Convention Center General Manager Susan Eaton said even though it took a long time to make the project complete, she couldn’t be happier.

“It’s a wonder the hotel took two to three years to get open, so we’re quite pleased,” Eaton said. “I think the city council has done the right thing here and want to see the economic growth in our city, so my staff is thrilled.”

Planners say the groundbreaking for the hotel will be this June. It should open in August 2015.