West Sacramento Planning Marriott Hotel, City Conference Center
WEST SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — West Sacramento is one step closer to breaking ground on a new hotel and conference center to fill in empty space along the river.
A large, empty plot of land across from Raley Field could soon be the home of a high-rise, high-end Marriott Hotel, accompanied by a city conference center.
The city's portion of about $30 million will be paid for over time by hotel taxes generated by the property. If everything goes as planned, it could open in under two years.
"We're excited about the potential for the project," said West Sacramento Mayor Christopher Cabaldon. "The market is very strong, we need a significant hotel property on the riverfront."
He says the multimillion-dollar plans have been in the works for some time, but after severing ties with the project's development partner, the city says it's back on track with a new developer to bring the project to reality.
"A big part of this project, in tandem with the arena, and the streetcar, and the new bridges that are coming, are to create a whole complete connected downtown riverfront district," he said.
Along with the hotel and conference center would come a parking garage and even more housing, making this a thriving area with visitors bringing in dollars.
Elizabeth Risch owns Munchies candy store, just across the Tower Bridge in Old Sacramento, says the project would mean a lot to the area.
"I think it's great for the city, and I think it would be great for businesses down here, especially if they get a trolley or some sort of conveyance to bring people over," she said.