Daniel M. Hamister, Hamister Group chief investment officer, said the newly renovated hotel will be opening toward the end of the third quarter or early in the fourth quarter this year.

The hotel reconstruction was one of 10 downtown project that received a share of around $10 million through the state Downtown Revitalization Initiative program. The Hamister Group received $2.4 million, which was the highest award amount for any of the 10 projects, through the DRI program.

Hamister said the renovation project is estimated to cost around $13 million, which also received public funding through the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency and the Jamestown Local Development Corporation. The IDA provided a $900,000 Al Tech Loan Revolving Loan; sales tax exemption valued at $432,000; Payment In Lieu of Taxes for 15 years that will equate into a $1,940,000 savings; and mortgage recording tax abatement worth $106,500. The JLDC provided a $350,000 Jobs and Private Investment Loan for HH Jamestown LLC, which is a subsidiary of the Hamister Group.

“The city, county and state were instrumental in bringing this project to fruition with various programs that they have at their disposal,” Hamister said.

A view of how some of the rooms in the DoubleTree by Hilton Jamestown will look once the Hamister Group is completed with the $13 million renovation project. Submitted photo

Hamister said renovations are on schedule and on budget for the 144-room hotel. The Hamister Group purchased the hotel during an online auction in 2013 for $2,023,450. Highlights of the project include 4,100-square-foot ball conference room for meetings and receptions of up to 375 guests; Pearl City Hops, a gastropub and restaurant; Sweet Dreams beds; a 50-inch HDTV; complimentary Wi-Fi; and room service and a lobby market available 24 hours a day.

Guest will be able to go for a swim in the indoor, saltwater pool or work out anytime in the complimentary fitness center. Print service is complimentary in the business center. There will also be a secured covered parking in attached garage.

“We are bringing this property back to life, vastly improved from when we bought it,” Hamister said.

“In addition, we are part of the revitalization of downtown Jamestown and are excited to see not only the completion of the hotel, but also other projects like the (National) Comedy Center.”

Hamister said they have hired their general manager, Brandon Wade, and a sales person to prepare for the opening of the hotel. He said they will be providing information and job postings on their website – hamistergroup.com.

“As we get closer to our opening date, we will be increasing our recruitment efforts to fill those other positions,” he said. “We will be looking for people who want to serve the customer in every facet of the organization: front desk, housekeeping, laundry, maintenance, chefs, servers and each departments respective manager.”

The Hamister Group Inc. is celebrating its 40th year in operation as a national hotel and health care management company.