Wednesday, January 31, 2007

A group of out of town investors have purchased three acres along U.S. 29 at the intersection of Route 40.

The 80-room motel will be located along U.S. 29 and just to the south of the town's water tanks. It will be accessed off Route 40 to the east of the bypass.

Plans have been submitted to the county in preparation for the proper zoning requirements.

As soon as all the paperwork is completed, construction will begin and developers hope completed within six months.

The catalyst in attracting interest to the project was Cecil Creasy of Wilmington, N.C., who owns The Junction at Gretna Shopping Center and renovated and opened The Lavalette House.

Creasy's family was among the early founders of Gretna and he has always felt a connection to the town.

“When it comes down to it, Gretna is moving forward,” said Creasy. “People seem to think progress is industry, but what I've felt all along is our trump card are the people coming and going to the lake or traveling through the area.

“Locating a motel in Gretna is a nice and convenient place to be. This is really going to open up Gretna,” he added.

Creasy said a Hampton Inn will offer employment, increase the tax base, and offer benefits for downtown and other businesses and industries in the area.

“It is a win-win situation. No one loses. We think the area is getting ready to boom and all it needs is lodging,” he explained.

“The key to Gretna's future is to reach out past the town boundaries. I think Gretna is ready to take off. We want to preserve the downtown and quaintness, but we are ready to go from black and white to color.”

Creasy is also seeking someone interested in making the Lavalette House he owns on Main Street an upscale steak house.

“With the square footage, ambiance and quality, I think a restaurant would be a slam dunk,” he said.