Celoron, NY Governor Andrew Cuomo celebrated the groundbreaking of a $33 million deluxe hotel on the shores of Chautauqua Lake. Hart Hotels Inc. and Krog Group will work in tandem to build the $33 million upscale hotel in the lake front community. The project is one of the largest private-sector-fueled, tourism-based developments to take place in Chautauqua County.
“Chautauqua Lake is one of Western New York State’s greatest tourism assets and by building these high-quality accommodations, we are showcasing the region’s unique waterfront areas to attract even more visitors and revenue,” governor Cuomo said. “Our investments to enhance Western New York’s tourism assets, including the national Comedy Center opening next year in Jamestown, help drive economic growth throughout the region.”
The developers applied for and received a Western New York Regional Economic Development grant for $1.9 million. In addition, New York State Homes and Community Renewal provided a $750,000 Community Development Block Grant Economic Development Award for the project to assist with furniture, fixtures, and equipment and create 81 jobs, 68 of which will benefit low to moderate income workers. The project will also receive tax breaks from the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency.
David Hart, president and CEO of Hart Hotels, Inc., said, “We are thrilled to have our third Harbor Hotel in New York State under construction. This hotel will accommodate the demand for upscale hotel rooms, meetings, and social functions in New York’s southern tier. It will also be a catalyst for more growth and investment in the Chautauqua County tourism industry. We expect to create about one hundred full time jobs and grow the tax base. Additional spending from hotel guests will also benefit local shops, stores, and attractions. Without New York State’s support this project would not be a reality.”
“The new Chautauqua Harbor Hotel will provide first-class accommodation for visitors from across the nation and the world who come to Western New York to enjoy unique attractions like Chautauqua Lake,” said lieutenant governor Kathy Hochul, who attended today’s groundbreaking. “With the Downtown Revitalization Initiative projects moving forward and the completion of the National Comedy Center, Jamestown is positioned to become a major hub of our regional tourism industry.”
Howard Zemsky, president, CEO and commissioner of Empire State Development, said, “The new Chautauqua Harbor Hotel will benefit not only from seasonal summertime travel, but also from corporate and overnight stays during the week because of its proximity to Jamestown, with its 30,000 residents and business community. The REDC recognized that this portion of Chautauqua Lake was long overdue for a resort style hotel that will grow the tourism economy by attracting visitors from nearby states and Canada.”
RuthAnne Visnauskas, commissioner of New York State Homes and Community Renewal said, “Chautauqua Lake is a New York gem and with the addition of a beautiful hotel gracing its waterfront, it will be even more attractive to visitors and help drive tourism in the region. The CDBG program is essential to making wide-ranging improvements to communities, creating jobs, and helping to bring projects like these to life. The $750,000 award through HCR will create 81 jobs and give the hotel the support it needs to succeed.”
Western New York Regional Economic Development Council co-chair and president of SolEpoxy Inc., Jeff Belt said, “The beautiful Chautauqua Harbor Hotel will be a beacon for attracting more tourists to the region. By creating an upscale resort it will draw visitors who are looking for luxury rooms, waterfront activities and memorable dining experiences. While boosting tourism and spurring more development the project is also creating construction jobs and permanent positions that will help to strengthen the economy.”
Western New York Regional Economic Development Council co-chair and president of State University of New York at Fredonia, Dr. Virginia Horvath said, “The construction of the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel is a great step forward for the tourism industry in the Chautauqua Region. With this upscale resort comes new jobs and new revenue for the area. We look forward to seeing the hotel attract additional tourists to the region, furthering our economic recovery.”
The Chautauqua Harbor Hotel will feature 135 deluxe guest rooms, a lake view ballroom and conference center–with 300 person capacity, lake side bar connected to an island gazebo, an indoor and outdoor pool, multiple patios overlooking the lake, and a full-service restaurant, among other amenities.
The hotel’s opening in 2018 will come as the National Comedy Museum, another New York State supported project, makes its debut in downtown Jamestown.
The hotel will be located on a nine-acre parcel just off of Dunham Ave., property that was once home to the Celoron Amusement Park, which closed in 1962. The design of the hotel will pay homage to Celoron’s history, including the amusement park and Lucille Ball, who was born in the community.
The Chautauqua Harbor Hotel will be Krog and Hart’s third and largest in the state.
In 2008, the $14 million Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel opened. The Watkins Glen property was recently voted by USA Today as the best waterfront hotel in the country. In 2014, Krog Group and Hart Hotels opened the Thousand Islands Harbor Hotel in Clayton. along the St. Lawrence River, which features 105 deluxe guest rooms and suites.
Senator Catharine Young said, “Chautauqua Lake is the jewel of our county. The Chautauqua Harbor Hotel will take economic development to a new level by bringing both visitors and new jobs to the deserving residents if the region.”
Assemblyman Andy Goodell said, “The Chautauqua Harbor Hotel is ideally located to take advantage of the beautiful lake views. This project will bring thousands of visitors and much needed jobs to the region.”
Chautauqua County executive Vince Horrigan said, “The fastest growing sector of Chautauqua County’s economy is tourism and hospitality. This new hotel will bring a world class level of accommodations overlooking our beautiful Chautauqua lake attracting visitors from near and far. We look forward to welcoming guests back year after year.”
Celoron mayor Scott Schrecengost said, “The Harbor Hotel is a game changer for the village. We have been waiting for 50 years for a forward thinking developer to take advantage of this gorgeous waterfront property. The residents look forward to the grand opening and the jobs it will bring to the region.”
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