MARQUETTE – The Veridea Group has entered into a partnership with Albion College and select alumni to invest in and manage a new Courtyard by Marriott. A public groundbreaking ceremony attended by approximately 300 people was recently held on site to kick off construction of the hotel in downtown Albion. Based in Marquette, Veridea is a real estate development and hotel management company.
Construction of the 75-room hotel is expected to cost $9 million and is scheduled to be complete in Summer of 2017. It is the cornerstone project in Phase I of a comprehensive development plan designed to reinvigorate downtown Albion and the surrounding neighborhoods. The hotel will address a need to provide quality lodging and meeting space for the College and the community. Phase I will also include the renovation of the historic North 100 block of Albion’s Superior Street to house a number of College institutes and administrative offices.
“We are proud to partner with Albion College on this important project,” said Robert Mahaney, Veridea’s President. “The College, City and community support and enthusiasm for this project have been overwhelming. These are exciting times for Albion.”
Albion College President Mauri Ditzler added, “Albion College is so pleased to have Veridea Group as its operating partner in the new Marriot Courtyard. They have a track record of excellence and do things right.”
Shaheen Development of Saginaw will oversee construction of the hotel. Additional financial support for the project has been received from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Albion Economic Development Agency.