Aug. 19–GULFPORT — A Holiday Inn Resort has signed on to open in two buildings on the west side of the waterfront Centennial Plaza campus, with a lazy river included in the plans, city officials announced this afternoon.
The chapel at the property’s southern entrance also is included in initial plans.
“Now that we’ve got our anchor lined up, it should be the catalyst to develop the rest of the property,” Mayor Billy Hewes said.
Louisiana-based le Triomphe Property Group, which is developing 57 acres of the property, struck the deal with the Intercontinental Hotels Group, owner of the Holiday Inn and other hotel brands.
The city will receive 25 percent of net revenue from development.
Monthly marquee events will be held on the property. Events already lined up include Cruisin’ The Coast, Barbecue Under the Oaks and the CASA Halloween party.
Veterans Affairs spent $39 million after Hurricane Katrina to renovate exteriors of 10 historic buildings on the former veterans’ hospital campus, then deeded a total of 92 acres to the city. The city has been trying for more than four years to develop the acreage on U.S. 90 through the Gulfport Redevelopment Commission.
Centennial Plaza LLC, formed by le Triomphe, is the second development company to take on the project for GRC.
The oak-shaded campus is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Hewes said the city plans to clean up Coffee Creek, which runs along the property’s western border to the Clower-Thornton Nature Trail. The city hopes such amenities will enhance Centennial Plaza’s appeal.
