Country Inns begins Canton project

The Canton Economic Development Corporation hosted a groundbreaking ceremony July 6 to kick off the construction of a new Country Inns & Suites Hotel and Conference Center on a 6-acre tract west of Splash Kingdom Waterpark on Interstate 20.  

The CEDC and city of Canton are partnering with C & E Group Inc., Splash Kingdom, Dr. John Pino and Jim LaPorte on this almost $9 million capital project. “A hotel of this caliber and the 5,000 square foot conference center will enhance our position as a get-away destination, growing our main industry – tourism.  We couldn’t be more excited about the synergistic relationship with Splash Kingdom, the creation of jobs and the economic impact this will have on local businesses,” said Julie Seymore, Canton’s economic development director.

This upper level three-star Country Inns & Suites Hotel and Conference Center project will create 25 full-time jobs with an estimated annual payroll of $1.5 million, Seymore said. It is also anticipated to generate more than $200,000 a year in hotel occupancy taxes and upwards of $120,000 in property taxes. 

According to information from the CEDC, the hotel will be the first in this region to feature the new “Gen 4” Country Inns & Suites design and will have 70 to 88 rooms (including themed suites coordinated with the neighboring Splash Kingdom), a 5,000 square foot conference center for special events and conferences, an indoor swimming pool, 100 parking spaces, and two pad sites for restaurants.  It will be linked with Splash Kingdom via scenic walkways and the partners will co-promote summer vacation packages.  

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