New Upton Hotel Construction Continues

As March approaches, weather patterns will determine construction activity on the new Cobblestone Inn and Suites in Upton. Construction crews are currently setting the engineering foundation for the building now. Around 120 piers have been set into the bedrock and filled with concrete.

“Our timing to move onto the framing and going vertical is really up to Mother Nature,” said Tim J. Shefchik, vice-president of BriMark Builders, the construction company for the project. “Once we can get boots on the ground for those activities, we can more accurately forecast a completion schedule.”

A typical timeline without major delays would allow for the project to be completed by the end of 2022, but BriMark is keeping a close eye on possible delays besides the weather.

“Availability of construction materials is always a concern and that has had a significant impact today regardless of the industry,” said Shefchik. “Labor is the other major variable, but we seek to source from regional subcontractors, with the ability to bring in any additional workforce who travels for us if needed.”

A New Hotel

The Cobblestone Inn and Suites will sit on the northeast corner of US Highway 16 and N Buffalo Creek Road across from Tiger Transfer, the Upton Logistics Park, on nearly five acres with significant highway visibility and parking for RVs, trucks and buses. The two-story, 45-room, 23,000 square foot hotel will offer a conference room for up to 55 people and guest laundry. Rooms will be a mix of king bed suites, double queen bed suites and four two-room extended-stay suites. All rooms will have a microwave, mini-fridge and 40"- 42" flatscreen TV.

Cobblestone Hotels, LLC is a leading upper-midscale hotel brand with over 160 hotels open, under construction or in development in 28 states. The company prides itself in filling the lodging needs of communities through its upper-midscale new-build brand. Signature amenities include high-speed Internet access, complimentary breakfast, convenience store, fitness centers, business centers and more. Guestrooms are perfectly tailored to meet the needs of modern travelers, while tastefully designed with an element of contemporary elegance, according to a press release. 

Mutual benefits

Cobblestone’s unique business model specializes in rural development. The company tailors its buildings for smaller communities with prototypes having as few as 31 rooms without sacrificing quality or service. Upton has multiple facets that appealed to Cobblestone. The rural community has several avenues to bring customers to a hotel, beginning with business travelers for area industry and manufacturing options related to the logistics park. In addition, the community has typical family needs, like weddings and school events. The fact Upton has multiple possible revenue streams for a hotel made it very attractive to Cobblestone, said Shefchik. 

“Upton is very active with its school programs,” he said. “The school district can host weekend sports tournaments and with a local hotel visitors can stay in Upton as opposed to taking their business elsewhere.”

Likewise, Upton can reap significant benefits with a local Cobblestone Inn and Suites. The new hotel will be owned by Upton Wyoming Hotel, LLC. Cobblestone is much more accommodating to local ownership compared to similar companies, which, in Shefchik’s experience, results in many advantages for their communities.

“Adding a hotel to a community will result in the benefits of property, bed and sales taxes, along with job creation,” he said. “But by having a local ownership group, there is the piece of business profits that stay in the community, to be saved and spent where they live, leading to continued future success and growth.”

To learn more about the project, contact the UEDB via email or call (307)282-0652.

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