This article was updated October 23 to clarify that the project has local permits and is now working its way through the Act 250 process.
Vermont Business Magazine Exit 4 in Randolph looks like it might get a new hotel after all. After many years of attempts to develop the exit, and recently and unsuccessfully with a vast mixed-use commercial development, a hotel is proposed across Interstate 89 on the southeast corner, on the right as you head up Route 66 toward Randolph Center and Vermont Technical College. The project has received local permits and a sewer authorization. The project began the Act 250 process with a hearing on October 4.
Perry Armstrong, one of the four partners in the project, said if all goes as planned the project could break ground next spring.
"There's a strong amount of community support," he said. Armstrong said he and his partners have strong ties to the community.
"The whole motivation for this is to boost the economy of the region," he said. He pointed out that Central Vermont needs a hotel, as there isn't between White River Junction and Barre. There is also a need for a conference center in the region, he said. Armstrong owns Rain or Shine Tent and Events Company in Randolph and knows first hand the needs of the local hospitality industry.
Pomerleau Real Estate is in the process of leasing associated space for a restaurant to go along with the proposed Hilton/Hampton Inn.
According to the sales flyer from Pomerleau, the 79-room Hilton/Hampton Inn and Conference Center "will provide a much-needed event and conference facility for local businesses and associations in Central Vermont. Ownership is looking for an experienced restaurant operator to lease the attached restaurant facility. The restaurant will be positioned at the entrance to the property and will be one of the signature elements of this project. The restaurant will also benefit from catering opportunities through the conference center, a captive audience of hotel guests, easy access to I89, and limited food-service competition in the immediate area. As proposed, the leasable area will be approximately 4,000 SF, comprised of 2,000 SF of kitchen and 2,000 SF of dining area (120 seats) as well as outdoor patio (30 seats) that can be used seasonally."
Images courtesy of Pomerleau.
In 2015, Sam Sammis, Chairman of the New England Land Company, requested preliminary findings from the Act 250 District Environmental Commission for a 1.1 million-square-foot, mixed-use development for the Randolph Exit 4 westside property.
Sammis had been developing or conserving various parts of Randolph for four decades. He previously sold part of the property at Exit 4 where the service station and restaurant now are.
The mixed-use proposal faced considerable opposition over its impacts to prime agricultural soils, consistency with local and regional plans, and the aesthetic resources of the area.
After four hearings before the Commission, Sammis withdrew his proposal and started discussions with conservation organizations with the Conservation Law Foundation, Vermont Natural Resources Council and Preservation Trust of Vermont. These discussions led to the Castanea Foundation stepping in to buy the farmland to allow time for the property to be conserved, and an agreement to allow conservation interests the opportunity to purchase the remaining lands.
In April 2017 Sam and Jinny Sammis agreed to sell 149 acres of land off Exit 4 in Randolph to the Castanea Foundation for $1.2 million for conservation purposes.
Sam and Jinny Sammis, who own the Three Stallion Inn and 1,300-acre Green Mountain Stock Farm in Randolph, have had land conservation interests in Vermont for over 45 years. In 1970, Mr Sammis worked with The Nature Conservancy and was responsible for consummating the sale of 6,500 acres that were added to Vermont State Parks on Camel’s Hump and Mount Mansfield.
Source: Pomerleau Real Estate.