Owatonna to get Marriott Hotel

Owatonna will be getting a major boost for its downtown.
Hamilton Real Estate Group announced last week that a new Marriott Courtyard Hotel will be constructed in downtown Owatonna beginning as early as next summer.
The hotel will take up half of the 200 block of North Cedar and wrap around Pearl Street. Plans also include a new restaurant in the former Jerry’s location and a spot for Old Town Bagels in or near their current location. The target for opening the complex is June 2022.
CEO Mac Hamilton unveiled the plans for the Marriott at the Oct. 20 Owatonna City Council meeting.
“It’s a game changer,” said Brad Meier, director of the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce. He noted the project adds to the whole revitalization of downtown that Owatonna has been focused on for years.
Troy Klecker, community development director for Owatonna, echoed Meier’s thoughts about the project. “This is a big announcement in the redevelopment of downtown Owatonna adding a major amenity, a high end hotel and restaurant,” Klecker said. “This property will attract additional visitors and business travel to our community.”
Hamilton has secured multiple properties required to complete the project and is in the process of finalizing a purchase agreement with the City of Owatonna on the former theater lot. The project includes parking on the east side of the properties and modifications to the street and parking to maximize the visitors’ experience.
Developing properties is nothing new for Hamilton in Owatonna. The company has also completed three other projects, including South Pointe I and II apartments and 111 E. Vine apartments.
The hotel project, Meier said, has been a vision for downtown for many years starting with retired Federated employee Steve Judd, who has long had a vision for the 200 block of North Cedar. “It’s going to be a big draw for business travelers and an economic boon for our community,” Meier said.
Meier said he is aware of larger companies in Owatonna that utilize venues in the Twin Cities instead of Owatonna when they bring in business executives and other associates. “It will be much more attractive to stay here in town,” he said.
Hamilton has the funds needed to proceed with the project, but it is still accepting local investors. So far, local investors have committed about $1.8 million to the project. Hamilton’s goal is to make this “a true community project.”