04 Feb 2018 Hotel planned in Fairfield Bay

BD Alliance and DMC International, both of Birmingham, Ala., and Fairfield Bay recently announced the signing engagement for the development of a 63-room, four-story Cobblestone Hotel in Fairfield Bay. Ground-breaking is expected in March with an opening date set for Fall 2018. 

The first hotel in Fairfield Bay, it will be located at 100 Lost Creek Parkway, next to the Fairfield Bay Conference and Visitor Center and the mall area. Construction will be by BriMark Buliders of Neenah, Wis., and will be operated by WHG Professional Hospitality Management.

This is one of seven new contracts the hotel group will be developing across the United States this year, and the first one in Arkansas.

Designed around small town Main Street charm, Cobblestone properties feature state-of-the-art technology, whether staying for business or vacation. Signature amenities include high-speed Internet access, complimentary hot breakfast, convenience store, fitness centers, business centers and more.

The upcoming Cobblestone Hotel will be designed similarly to the one in Chippewa Falls, Wis., and is poised to change the face of Fairfield Bay. 

“As someone who attends many conferences, the Cobblestone Hotel will give Fairfield Bay a huge competitive advantage over mid-size conference centers around Arkansas,” said Mayor Paul Wellenberger. “We already had superior food, a superior conference center and a superior staff. Now we will have superior accommodations.

“It also gives the ability to offer one night stays, online booking and more reasonable cancellation policies for weddings, family reunions and other special occasions. It will provide a boost to our local economy and undoubtedly spur new businesses and residential growth. We’ll be poised to leapfrog into a commanding destination position. The 40-120 size conference planners are seeking newer, more deluxe accommodations with team-building activities and family-friendly recreation opportunities out their front door. We will be on a fast track to becoming the destination every conference planner will want to secure. Not only is Fairfield Bay back, it is newer and better than ever.”

Wellenberger said the hotel will have a direct impact on the economy with more than $1 million annual revenue pouring into the local economy. He is also expecting other new businesses to follow as well as a boost to the existing businesses in town.  

“The hotel is a game changer in Fairfield Bay,” said Fairfield Bay Community Club General Manager Rocky Nickles. “This gives our visitors another choice in overnight accommodations. We will now have the opportunity to quickly reserve a hotel room online, in addition to the many condos and homes that are available to rent.

“Economically, the hotel will spur additional business. A successful hotel will bring more conferences. It could also entice a full-service restaurant to the area, as well as more retail shopping opportunities – ultimately attracting more visitors to the Bay. We can’t wait to get started and see what the future holds.”

Fairfield Bay is experiencing a period of economic strength and stability. Sales tax revenue continues to climb, home sales are high and in 2017, new home starts were the highest in 17 years. The addition of new hotel will more fully position the Bay as a destination ready to welcome and take advantage of tourism opportunities, as well as local and regional travelers.

For more information, go to VisitFairfieldBay.com .