PLEASANT GROVE -- In about seven days, construction should be underway on the long-anticipated Embassy Suites Hotel in Pleasant Grove. Mayor Michael W. Daniels made the surprise announcement at the end of Tuesday night's City Council work session.

Daniels said that he received a phone call Monday from John Q. Hammons, developer of the hotel. "Mr. Hammons is going to use his own funds to begin construction within seven days," said Daniels.

It has been expected that the hotel would not begin construction for another two years due to a slowdown in the hotel industry and a tight credit market. However, according to Daniels, Hammons believes he has secured financing. That financing may take weeks to come through so, in the meantime, Hammons plans to fund the project himself.

"It's been a long process. A lot of people have worked very hard," said Richard Bradford, Economic Development Director. "This is the payoff."

The hotel and convention center originally broke ground in August 2007. Due to seismic considerations, the hotel had to be redesigned, which caused a delay. Then, more delays came because of the nation's economic downturn.

In August, city leaders met with the Hammons organization to discuss finances. The city has had to make bond payments that were supposed to be paid with hotel tax revenue. At that time, Hammons agreed to compensate the city in some way, which had yet to be determined.

Last night's announcement caused excitement in the City Council chambers. Council members congratulated Mayor Daniels for the hard work he has put into the project.

"I am very relieved and grateful," said Daniels. "This is quite an investment for the city." The project is expected to take approximately 18 months to complete construction.

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