Board OKs sign variances for planned Hampton Inn
By KRISTIN TAYLOR
Staff Writer
Soon visitors to Murray will have another place to stay - and hopefully a new nearby chain restaurant.
The Murray Board of Zoning Adjustments approved Wednesday height and sign variances for Hampton Inn's planned location on Lowe's Drive near Ryan's Steakhouse. The design plans also include a site for a restaurant, although developers say they are still talking with franchises.
The hotel, which is being developed by Ershig Properties, originally was planned for a site just north of Wal-Mart on U.S. 641 North. Ershig representative Greg Poole said soil problems led developers to look elsewhere.
At the new site, Ershig Properties is planning to buy two vacant lots from a local resident and another 2.8 acres from the Murray State Foundation. The Hampton Inn will face Ky. 121 North and have 72 rooms and slightly more than the required 108 parking places.
The BZA approved the hotel to have two wall signs and to be 43 feet tall - about 8 feet more than the city's zoning ordinance allows. Board chairman Bill Whitaker and member Ed Davis were absent.
Poole said the two wall signs are necessary at the new site to identify the building on both ends as drivers come from either 12th Street or south on Ky. 121 North. A free-standing sign also will be erected in the front of the hotel.
“It's a destination,” Poole said. “We have to get the word out as people are coming into town.”
For complete story, see today's Ledger & Times
Story created Jul 20, 2006 - 11:57:25 EDT.
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