Springfield, Mo. – A vacant downtown property on East St. Louis Street is finally seeing new life. Construction crews have started renovating the former hotel, which will reopen as a Country Inn & Suites. The site, located across from Route 66 Stadium, has been empty since 2020 after serving as temporary housing for Missouri State University students during the pandemic.
Why the hotel matters to the community
Ozarks Springbirds General Manager Dan Reiter highlighted the strategic value of having lodging next to the ballpark. ‘Fans traveling from Rolla, Jefferson City, St. Louis, Kansas City and other areas appreciated being able to park their car, walk outside, and head straight to a game,’ Reiter said. He added that new neighbors who contribute to downtown growth are a welcome addition.
Economic ripple effects
Beyond serving baseball crowds, local tourism officials see the project as a catalyst for broader economic development. Mark Hecquet, President and CEO of Visit Springfield, explained that the added room inventory will help the city compete for larger gatherings and meetings. ‘More rooms mean we can pursue bigger groups and events, bringing additional visitors to downtown,’ Hecquet said.
Hecquet also noted that the Choice brand brings built‑in customer loyalty, which should translate into more spending at local restaurants, shops, and gas stations. ‘Those guests will be out in Springfield, supporting our overall economy,’ he added.
Looking ahead
The renovation is expected to create construction jobs in the short term and hospitality jobs once the hotel opens. While an official opening date has not yet been announced, the project signals confidence in Springfield’s post‑pandemic tourism rebound.
Community leaders and business owners alike are optimistic that the new hotel will strengthen the downtown corridor, attract out‑of‑town visitors, and provide a steady stream of customers for nearby enterprises.
Original reporting: KY3 Springfield (local) — read the source article.
