By Kimberly Gasuras
Construction is underway to renovate the former Knights Inn, located at 1515 N. Sandusky Ave., as it becomes a Quality Inn.
Ash Patella of Galion has owned the hotel since 2008 and made the decision to change his chain hotel affiliation last year, after he sold the Holiday Inn Express that is located nearby, in 2015.
“I wanted to make a better hotel for the area and decided to go with Choice Hotels instead of Wyndham, that owns the Knights Inn brand,” Patella said.
The 58-room hotel will feature a fitness room, high-speed Wi-Fi throughout, and guests will be offered a hot breakfast each morning.
“We tore down part of the old hotel and completely gutted the remaining portion. We are installing all new windows, doors, flooring, everything,” said construction manager Bill Lohr. “It is like a brand-new hotel.”
According to Lohr and Patella, the former dining and lobby area of the old hotel is not connected to the renovated portion and may be sold or renovated in the future.
Lohr, also of Galion, has worked on other hotel projects for Patella, including hotels in Fremont and Fostoria.
“I have done work for Ash for several years,” Lohr said.
Patella said each room will feature a 32-inch flat screen TV, a mini-refrigerator and a microwave.
“We hope to be open by March,” Patella said.
Gary Frankhouse, director of the Crawford Partnership, said the new hotel will be a great addition to Bucyrus and Crawford County.
“Anytime we can add a hospitality offering it helps the area in many ways, especially with everything that is happening at nearby Pickwick Place,” Frankhouse said. “I know Ash and he will do a good job. I am very excited about the project.”