Mercedes eagerly anticipating first new development since outlet mall

MERCEDES — The first franchised hotel in the city is expected to open next month, officials said.

A La Quinta Inn and Suites, located on the westbound side Expressway 83 near Rio Grande Valley Premium Outlets, is nearing completion, Eloy Aguirre of Aguirre Framing and Construction said.

Aguirre said the three-story hotel will include 66 rooms of four types, including a queen-size suite and a standard room.

Amenities like a pool and hot tub should be ready by the July 10 opening, Aguirre said. A boardroom will also be available for business meetings, he said.

“There is a lot of anticipation,” Aguirre said. “This is the first major building in the area and it’s a nice one. People are really happy about it.”

A grand opening ceremony is scheduled for July 10, Albert Jackson Muñoz, construction superintendent said.

With the construction winding down, the next step has been to furnish the hotel, Muñoz said.

“Right now we’re dealing with inventory,” Muñoz said. “It’s the most tedious part of the process.”

Muñoz said he has heard enthusiasm about the opening from both the corporate office and the city.

“Corporate is breathing down because they want it to opened on time,” he said.

The hotel has also started hiring for housekeeping positions, Muñoz said.

Although the hotel began to the application process last Wednesday, Muñoz said interested people can still pick up applications at the hotel through this week.

Michele Leftwich, assistant city manager, said the city expects future development in the area near the hotel and outlet mall.

“We’re excited since it’s the first new wave of development coming from the outlet mall,” Leftwich said.

Last month, the outlet mall announced a 150,000-square-foot expansion on the north side of the existing stores, bringing the shopping center to 550,000 square feet, according to a news release from Chelsea Property Group, the mall owner.

The second phase will provide space for an additional 40 stores plus parking, bringing the total stores to 150.

The outlet will see a third phase, but the construction date could not be confirmed by the city, Leftwich said.