What began as an ambitious project in 2017 for the City of Eagle Grove has now become a reality. After two years in the planning and financing stage, it took just over six months to actually construct The Grove Inn & Suites in Eagle Grove. Now, City Administrator Bryce Davis, along with the hotel committee members, are excited to announce that they will be officially open for business in the next couple of weeks pending inspection and staffing.
The new facility will feature 32 rooms amidst 18,000 square feet of the two-story facility. The $2.7 million project was not delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but according to Davis, it did cause a few bumps along the way, like delayed shipment of products, some items by as much as two months. Despite this, the hotel has stayed on schedule and they are looking forward to getting the business open to the public.
Davis said there are only a few final touches that need to be taken care of including a canopy that will be installed by Pok-A-Dot Plumbing & Welding; 1,300 sq. feet of stone to be installed; landscaping by Eagle Grove Greenhouses, Inc.; outside painting; installation of telecommunications (which will then allow them to publicize a phone number for reservations and establish an online presence); and the installation of all fixtures. He anticipates all of these projects, final construction details, and cleaning will be completed by the end of this May. That will allow for all food and beverage items to be brought in the last week of May.
“Our goal is to have everything finalized for inspection by the end of May,” said Davis. “We can then open after we pass inspection.” He added that he anticipates it to be open to the public in June.
Nancy Baltazar, originally from Massachusetts, has been hired as the General Manager of The Grove. She comes with eight years of experience at Quality Inn in Fort Dodge and is already promoting Eagle Grove and The Grove Inn & Suites and filling up rooms.
They still have three positions open to fill including 2 daytime front desk clerks and one-night auditor.
“Everybody will do a little bit of everything,” said Davis, meaning these positions would be responsible for guest needs, cleaning, breakfast set-up, etc.
Amenities at The Grove include a small fitness center for guests, free Wifi, complimentary breakfast and guest laundry. There are also a variety of room choices including suites, king beds, queens, some adjoining rooms, and handicap rooms.
“We already have some reservations that are in the system for weddings and things of that nature,” said Davis enthusiastically.
Watch The Eagle for more information on a Grand Opening celebration.
