From the Ground Up: Candlewood Suites

Owner/developer: Elliott Lodging

General contractor: Thomas Construction Co. (Osage Beach)

Architect: Slone Architects PC

Engineers: Anderson Engineering Inc., civil; Edelman Engineering, structural; Crocker Consulting Engineers Inc., mechanical, electrical and plumbing

Size: 43,000 square feet

Estimated cost: $4 million

Lender: Great Southern Bank

Estimated completion date: April

Project description: This property will feature 83 suites, all with full kitchens, according to Jonathan Rimington, marketing director for Elliott Lodging. The four-story structure will cater to business travelers staying for longer periods of time. Nightly rates will begin at $99, though there will be discounts for extended stays, Rimington said. Gordon Elliott operates 14 other hotels through Elliott Lodging, which he formed in 1993. He opened a nearly identical Candlewood Suites in 2005 in Joplin and one in April on North Glenstone Avenue.

Reporter Cory Smith brings you new projects each week. He may be reached by e-mail at csmith@sbj.net, by fax at (417) 799-0603 or by phone at (417) 616-5854.