July 03, 2013 –BELLINGHAM — Plans are in the works for another hotel in north Bellingham.

Last week, building plans were submitted to the city for a 106-room, four-story, extended-stay hotel called Home2 Suites By Hilton. The hotel is slated to be built at 805 Home Lane, right off of Northwest Avenue near Chambers Chevrolet Cadillac. It’s also near where two other hotels are currently under construction.

The plan is to start construction in August and take eight to 10 months to complete, said Dustan Williams, CEO of Erck Hotels, which is based in Missoula, Mont. Erck Hotels has been developing lodging properties for more than 20 years in the Northwest and currently manages six properties with more than 660 rooms. Williams said the company has local investors involved in this project.

Williams said they look for areas experiencing growth, when developing property. He also noted the need for an extended-stay format; it’s geared toward business travelers but is also often used by visitors staying a few nights.

The project is valued at $6.6 million and will have an indoor pool, fitness area and a breakfast serving area. Total square footage is 56,651. Once built, the hotel will employ 25 to 35 people, Williams said.

According to its website, Home2 Suites is part of Hilton Worldwide and offers a variety of services while being eco-friendly and pet-friendly.

It marks the fourth announced major new hotel in the area, a part of Bellingham that is going through significant development. Currently under construction is the Springfield Suites/Marriott Hotel across the street on Northwest Avenue, and the La Quinta Hotel on West Bakerview Road. The 122-room Springfield Suites and the 81-room La Quinta hotels are expected to be completed later this year.

Hotel Services Group of Mount Vernon reached a deal with the Port of Bellingham last month to build a Holiday Inn near Bellingham International Airport. Construction of the Holiday Inn is expected to start by May 2014. It will have around 150 rooms and a restaurant.

Also nearby on West Bakerview Road, Costco is making plans to build a 161,000-square-foot store.

Reach DAVE GALLAGHER at dave.gallagher@bellinghamherald.com or call 715-2269.