I’ve seen that announcement too (Marriott in Boise). At the time I first read it, which was ???months ago, I think it was implied since it wasn’t a MRI, the new Boise facility would be full service. But, I’m not 100% positive now. Plans may be somewhat fluid depending on who else is moving into the market.

I absolutely agree Marriott is making their presence in Idaho known. They have a property, in Pocatello as well (but not high end). If I can remember where I first read it, I’ll post the article I read months ago about Marriott and Idaho.

It seems to be a symbiotic relationship, as Marriott’s name is often listed as a major corporation in the cities where they have had a presence or gaining a stronger one in Idaho.

TCOR MRI is the second Marriott property in Idaho Falls, and the second Marriott property in Renassiance. Given trends I’ve seen with Marriott throughout the U.S., I still question if the 2 hotels planned south of the WalMart on Utah and near TCOR, may be other Marriott brands as well. It is not uncommon in new developments, in other states, to see as many as 4 Marriott properties within a block or two. That allows leisure and business travelers, as well as families or others on a take home budget a choice of services and costs.

And just to be clear, I’m not referring to the 2 higher end hotels planned for Snake River Landing.

Thanks for addressing this point again. I know Idaho Business News, in March 2007, had some info about Marriott and Idaho. It seems like Hilton and Marriott are making the first major moves into Idaho. I’ve been told of 2-3 other major chains are currently evaluating to enter ID. I have a name of the chain looking at Idaho Falls, but don’t feel like I can post it yet.

I do believe the article in Idaho Businesss News March 2007, makes a very solid business point when saying national chains don’t like to enter a state with just one new hotel (or store/restaurant- whatever, depending on the business). As that article reminds us, opening in at least two markets is partially why Idaho Falls is a developing faster than some would anticipate, being on the opposite side of the state from Boise.

However, I thought it was interesting that Marriott is making their corporate move into ID currently.”

I know this is an old comment I’m replying to, but I thought I would clarify – Boise already has a Courtyard by Marriott and a Residence Inn.

I am glad to know crews are in place and unless something very unforeseeable happens, it appears construction for the Marriott Residence Inn will beginning soon.

Do you think it was better or worse to have the original 13 story hotel announced about 23 months ago? Was it better for the community, potential other developers and those thinking of opening a business to know this hotel was going to be built?

Or, was it worse knowing it had been announced, knowing that McNeil had developments in Provo and southern UT, let alone elsewhere, and wonder if TCOR was being put on the backburner?

Ok4Now

Idaho Falls Magazine recently had a nice summary about the Hurricane development. I’m not sure how familiar you are with that market and some new rules (limitations, as I understand them) in the St. George Metro area.

I’m not connected with McNeil or the Walkers in any capacity. However, I do have the ability to abstract.

My best guess is there was an absolute time limit on the southern Utah property. Also, if you read more about their Hurricane development, I think the condos on the river in Idaho Falls will make a lot of sense.

While I have no way of knowing this, I suspect the Walkers know their markets. I totally look for residents who own condos or a condo/home in both markets, depending on the season. If you’ve spent time in St. George in the summer, what use to be 106 is now 110-112 degrees. Especially with BYU-I now becoming a 4 year school, and fewer summer rentals available, more people from St. George are looking for a cooler retreat.

Plus, there is a limited water supply regardless of how different people in the St. George market like to spin it. Look how eastern ID is trying to conserve water already. St. George is so far down the river (PUN INTENDED) – the Colorado River. And Las Vegas pays a lot more for their needs than St. George.

Also, many Idaho Falls area retired residents don’t want to move to St. George, but would like to spend some of the colder months in the St. George climate. Now that IHC has finally put some better care in St. George medically such as much more advance cardiac care (but not as comprehensive as Idaho Falls…no neurosurgery, for example), many feel more comfortable leaving for the winter.

I just question is SkyWest will eventually start St. George to Idaho Falls direct flights when the new St. George airport is built.

I have no direct knowledge of this, but continue to be “encouraged” by a person from UT working on TCOR with the botanical part of TCOR. So I’m waiting to see what all is built and where the gardens begin.

These are strictly my ideas/opinions. However, I use to have to work monthly in St. George for many years, due to state contracts. I refused to fly, some months. Aborted take offs with a cliff below, or flying against a hill, that the airplane must clear straight up to get out of St. George gets old real fast, at least for me. Currently, the St. George airport can only handle the smaller planes. Trust me, I watched the test flights to St. George when the planes that fly to Idaho Falls were tested at the safest time of the day – about midnight.

Since this is an Idaho Falls-themed blog, I’ll leave my St. George airport experiences at that. Just be glad there are so many options for air travel in Idaho Falls.

IMO – that is one reason the I.F. metro continues to grow, say compared to Pocatello. Direct flights matter in business, at least to me. I suspect, though, others will agree.

I hope this info helps.

O4N

I notice some groundwork has been done the past couple weeks between the railroad, Smitty’s, and the Taylor Pedestrian bridge, is a restaurant going in that pad or is it the first footprint of a hotel?

These buildings, as I understand them, will have underground, heated parking. However, I agree it is time to bulldoze some of the old eye sores downtown and build at least 1-2 parking garages so people can have somewhere to park. It is fine to revitalize downtwon, but how, if one can’t park?

I’m not suggesting a parking terrace be the tallest building. But, as CR67 mentioned, there could be 1-2 stories underground and then maybe 1-2 above ground.

The question partly becomes who will invest and are I.F. area residents ready to start paying to park, like we all do in larger cities?

They should plan for some parking availability. CR67, I know you like the idea of a parking garage, but aren’t you from warmer areas where those are easier to maintain?

The one I use in Boise is reasonable, it gets lots of cars parked in a small space, but…I guess I’m on the fence again. (Gettin’ a dang crease in my backside from all my fence sitting on this site!)

Sounds like a 5-6 story hotel. Then, a series of condo building about 5 stories tall.

I was wondering how all of you understood that information. What I mean is did you read that to say there would be a complex (meaning several 5 story condo buildings) along the river? Or, did you read it more like there will be the MRI, then a 5 story condo building, then the row houses etc?

Time to activate this thread again, if as Mr. Walker was quoted as saying, McNeil hopes to dig dirt for the MRI in April.

Would you like to live by the river? If there are a series of condos, should some be for seniors and some more for singles/younger couples and some for larger families? Or, should they just be built and neighbors will be neighbors regardless of age?

I look forward to your thoughts……..