Holiday Inn Express planned in Cheney

Visitors to Cheney will have another lodging option when a new Holiday Inn Express opens this spring at 111 Betz Road.

Brian Anderson and Randall Gillingham, two of the partners involved in the project, grew up together in Cheney.

Gillingham is well known for his excavation and real estate business.

Anderson, deputy chief and mechanic for Fire District 3, began to invest in residential rental properties as a hobby in the 1980s. He also helped with Gillingham’s excavation business.

After the hotel idea stalled with a group of investors three years ago, Gillingham said to Anderson, “Let’s make it happen.” They formed a three-way partnership with Vandervert Hotel Management and began talks with the city of Cheney.

City Administrator Paul Schmitt said, “When the four-way stop at Betz Road and Highway 904 was installed, the city of Cheney retained the surplus right of way for the highest and best use. The old right of way went right through this property.

“Mayor (Amy Jo) Sooy negotiated the purchase of the property with the partnership. We leveraged for highest and best use, insisting on certain quality and number of rooms in the hotel.”

The project will cost a total of $6.8 million, with the three-story building costing $3.7 million. About 25 employees will be hired to staff the hotel, which is expected to open in May or June.

“A regular Holiday Inn has full service with restaurant, lounge and a variety of meeting rooms,” Anderson said. “Holiday Inn Express will serve continental breakfast, and its meeting rooms will accommodate 25.”

The hotel will have 76 units, a swimming pool, hot tub and a conference room.

“It’s a quality building,” Anderson said.”