Vidalia in talks for new motel
Published Thursday, July 28, 2005
VIDALIA, La. - Vidalia might be getting a Wal-Mart soon, but that's not the only change going on in the town's commerce.
Vidalia Mayor Hyram Copeland said the town has been in talks with a West Monroe businessman to build a new motel in the city slated to open next summer.
"We've had some interest from some people in opening another motel in Vidalia," Copeland said.
Fred Bayles, whose wife owns the Concordia Square Shopping Center, said his company is planning to build a Best Western motel on property adjoining the center.
"The plans are done. We're just waiting for approval from the fire marshal and all that," Bayles said.
The 62-room motel should start construction in September or October once a construction loan has been finalized. Construction should be complete by next summer, Bayles said.
"We're hoping to open about the time they open the convention center next year," Bayles said.
Bayles said he looked at building a motel in Vidalia at least twice - including plans for a 40-room motel about five years ago - in the last few years but decided against it.
"We came to the conclusion at that time that it wasn't the thing to do," Bayles said.
But with the imminent construction of the Vidalia Gateway and Convention Center, Bayles said he felt there was a need for this type of business.
The city has advertised for bids on the Gateway Center and plans to accept one Aug. 9. Construction would then begin within 30 days.