A Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott is in the process of construction in Laurel. Managing partner of the motel is Erck Hotels of Helena, a company that manages a number of motels throughout the region. Another investor in the business, Steve Solberg, Laurel, said that the while footings for what will be a 75 –room motel are in, the contractor, Dick Anderson Construction, has halted construction because of the weather. They expect to resume construction in March and plan to be open for business about this time next year.

Solberg said that they did two studies on the feasibility of a motel in Laurel – one before and one after the COVID shutdown – and both affirmed that there is a demand for a motel in Laurel. Solberg pointed out a number of reasons, including that Laurel is at a crossroads for travelers heading east and west, north or south, and the location of Cenex, Rail Link, sports stadium, etc.

The project includes a commercial building or strip mall that will be compatible with the motel, which will include a plaza between the two.

The multi-tenant shopping strip at 311 Washington Street is expected to become home to seven or eight retail outlets, the first of which has already committed to the location. Leasing agent, Steve Zeier of Trinity Real Estate Advisors, reported that Jimmy Johns will be locating a franchise there. Jimmy Johns plans to be open by mid-summer.

Zeier said that space is available for retail stores varying from 1200 sq. feet to 3200 sq. feet. More information can be obtained by calling Trinity Real Estate Advisors at 670-6969.