Covid-Delayed Hotel Cambria Project Still On, No Timeline for Construction

By Kevin Collison

The South Dakota developer of a proposed 149-room hotel at Ninth and Wyandotte in the Garment District still intends to follow through with his plan although construction likely may be delayed until next year.

“The project is on hold,” said Luke Jessen, development manager for Lloyd Cos. of Sioux Falls. “We don’t have a timeline in place yet, we’re waiting to see how things play out.

“I’d guess next year at earliest, but maybe yet this Fall.”

The proposed six-story Hotel Cambria would be built on what’s now a parking lot next door to the historic Savoy 21C Museum Hotel. As with many hotels, the Savoy was forced to close temporarily because of the Covid-19 pandemic, and plans to reopen July 1.

Jessen said the same uncertainty that’s rocked the hospitality industry since pandemic-related shutdowns began nationwide in March has delayed his firm’s construction plan. He added financing and the Cambria flag, part of the Choice Hotels Group, remains in place.

The Lloyd Cos. project is only a block away from another hotel plan that’s been stalled due to Covid-19.

The hotel project is planned for this parking lot, the red-brick historic Savoy Hotel is in the background.

Shortly before the Covid pandemic hit in force, construction had begun on a 13-story Hyatt House hotel at Ninth and Broadway and a tower crane erected. The Colorado developer has said it’s still a go, but when work will resume is up in the air–literally.

The $28 million Cambria Hotel will include 3,600 square feet of retail space and parking for 57 vehicles. Jessen said the ground level will include retail space along with a jump-lobby for the hotel and parking.

The developer is not seeking tax incentives or other public financial assistance for the project.

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