EVANSVILLE, IN (WFIE) -
Originally, the Ford Center and hotel were set to be built about the same time, but now with a third study planned, local businesses are wondering if it will ever be built.
The land has been leveled, but still no signs of a new hotel.
Although anxious, the CVB and downtown businesses say as long as the right decision for Evansville is made, they don't mind waiting just a little bit longer.
"They took a while to tear the Executive Inn down and we are doing studies, then they took a bid, then doing studies, and took a bid," said downtown baker Katie Voegerl. "It's good to see that the Ford Center got up and going fast, but it's been sort of start and stop for the hotel."
Questions about the economic impact of the hotel and if there should be more than 220 rooms, have put a stop to the new hotel, for the moment.
"I think it's time to move on. But if that's what it takes to eventually get a hotel, then do the survey, see exactly what comes out of it and to make sure they make the right decision," said Chef Doug Rennie of Rennie's Catering.
Nobody wants the hotel up and running more than Executive Director for the Convention and Visitor's bureau, Bob Warren. But he says he supports the third survey.
"We realize that it's going to delay the process by as much as 60 days in the development of the analysis. We are unfortunately out of the convention and visitors business at this time, just simply because we have nothing to sell," said Warren.
"Adding that hotel so we can get bigger events in general. I'm a big nerd, so things like Comic-Con, having the ability to house that many people would be wonderful," said Voegerl.
Warren says without a hotel, they've estimated the city is losing out on $10 to $12 million a year.
"It's time to move forward," said Warren. "We are losing money in terms of economic development for our community. It's time for us to take a serious look about breaking ground on a new hotel."
Warren says Evansville has been out of the convention business since 2009.
"We realize nothing on a big scale will happen until we have a hotel," said Warren.
But once the hotel is built, Warren says it won't be difficult to get back in the game.
No timeline has been set for the new hotel, it's expected one will be set after the 8 week study.
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