3-10-14 downtown fdl boutique hotel no longer in the plans

WFDL news has learned a proposal to convert the former Retlaw Theatre property into a boutique hotel  is no longer under consideration.   Community Development Director Wayne Rollin says instead Commonwealth Development now plans to renovate the Main Street buildings with office and retail space on the first floor and apartments on the second and third floors.  Commonwealth would move their offices to the Retlaw location.  Rollin says the recent announcement of the new Hampton Inn and other activity in the local hotel market eliminated the option of a boutique hotel.  Rollin says Commonwealth is seeking a half million dollar state grant to assist with the development project.  The city council will consider a resolution authorizing the grant application at their meeting on Wednesday March 12th.  Under the proposal the historic Retlaw Theatre would still be razed to make way for a parking lot.