Ashtabula, Ohio’s Riverbend late last month held its ceremonial ground-breaking. During the event, hosted by hotel ownership and local elected officials, guests were introduced to the hotel concept, its amenities and its architecture and interior design.
The 27,000-square-foot Riverbend Hotel is located at 533 Goodwill Drive, with immediate proximity to historic Bridge Street/5th Street, Lake Erie, the area’s covered bridges and Ohio wine country.
Riverbend Hotel will open to guests in the Spring of 2020 and will create more than 60 construction and full-time jobs.
Hotel founder Todd Canter was joined at the podium during the ground-breaking by Jim Timonere, Ashtabula City Manager, and co-owners Larry Laurello of Laurello Vineyards and Delta Railroad, Pete Huggins of Iten Industries and Chuck Borsukoff of JCI Contractors.
The $6 million project received debt financing from Erie Bank and further financing from the 503 Corporation, City of Ashtabula and County of Ashtabula.
Hotel business partners also attended the ceremony and were on hand to answer questions and talk with guests. Chicago-based Vintage Zinc Interiors founder Lorie Giambarbaree and Youngstown, Ohio, architect Stephen Berry led hotel architecture and design. JCI Contractors, led by Chuck Borsukoff will lead site and project development. Global brand and marketing communications veterans Stefanie Murphy and Jessica Doll of Chicago helm the hotel’s branding and communications activities. Riverbend Hotel will hire a property management company, to be announced at a later date.
