Barring any unforeseen events, the construction of the four-story TownePlace Suites by Marriott at White Hall is on track and will open this fall.
That's the latest word from Umesh "U.E." Patel, White Hall business owner and developer, who is building the more than $10 million extended-stay facility on the western end of Sheridan Road, just off Interstate 530, Exit 34.
Construction started in April 2021 and was expected to take about 18 months to build the hotel, Patel said.
The rooms will provide guests with kitchens and other amenities needed for a longer stay, and Patel said he expects most of his bookings to be out-of-towners, especially those who are working with local businesses.
TownePlace Suites, along with the construction of the three-story Relyance Bank headquarters across the street, are dramatically changing that area of the city, said White Hall Mayor Noel Foster.
The bank opened for business on Tuesday.
Foster said the hotel and the bank are creating a buzz about town, and he believes these projects will "spur" additional development in this area of White Hall.
"We have worked with Umesh and his management team in the past," Foster said, adding they will continue working with the developer in the future.
Joe Spadoni, White Hall Chamber of Commerce president, indicated the hotel will enhance the community.
"The TownePlace Suites by Marriott will be a wonderful addition to White Hall," Spadoni said.
INVESTING IN HIS ADOPTED HOMETOWN
Patel opened his first Subway in Dumas in 1999, but eventually he turned his attention to White Hall.
Patel's existing White Hall commercial investments include a Dairy Queen, a Holiday Inn Express, and the soon-to-open White Hall Plaza and TownePlace Suites.
Also, he built Colton's Steak House and sold it to Daniel Ray last year. The franchised restaurant draws customers from White Hall and Pine Bluff, I-530 travelers and people from around Southeast Arkansas.
Patel said he is committed to building a better White Hall.
White Hall investor and business owner Umesh “U.E.” Patel poses with his wife and business partner Nilam Patel. (Special to The Commercial)