Tru by Hilton planned for Riverwalk area

Planners approve design of 4-story hotel

The design review for a new 105-guest room Tru by Hilton hotel to be constructed in the Riverwalk District area was approved by the Fortuna Planning Commission.

At its meeting earlier this week, by a unanimous vote, the Fortuna Planning Commission reviewed and approved design elements of the hotel including building elevations, site plans, exterior colors, lighting, and landscape design.

The proposal is to build a fourstory, almost 46,000-square-foot hotel.

“I'm excited. I think it looks lovely, and it will be a great asset down there. We definitely need more nice places to stay for our guests,” Fortuna Planning Commission Chair Stephanie Halley said after the design review for the proposed hotel was approved.

Jai Jalaram Bapa Investment, LLC is the applicant, and the proposed site is a 3.17-acre lot on River Ranch Road, adjacent to the Eel River. This investment company is the owner of the Super 8 Motel on Riverwalk Drive in Fortuna, close to where the new hotel is planned.

The Tru hotel is described as a recently launched Hiltonbranded midscale hotel geared toward younger travelers with lower-priced room rates and modern tech conveniences. The brand design features bold colors, modern styling, and a focus on technology and entertainment.

Planning commissioners were told that the site plan is consistent with the setbacks, landscaping, lighting, and parking requirements of the Fortuna Zoning Ordinance. Landscaping at the new hotel will be a mix of native and non-invasive trees, shrubs, ferns, and grasses.

Another part of the staff presentation to the planning commission was photographs of other, similarly designed Tru by Hilton hotels in other cities including Meridian, Mississippi; San Antonio, Texas; and Denver, Colorado.

Two of the neighboring property owners of the proposed hotel location expressed their support for the project and said the development would have a positive impact in the Riverwalk District area.

“I'm excited. I think it looks lovely, and it will be a great asset down there. We definitely need more nice places to stay for our guests.” –Fortuna Planning Commission Chair Stephanie Halley

SCREENSHOT A new Tru by Hilton hotel is being proposed for construction in the Riverwalk District area of Fortuna. It will be similar in design to the hotel pictured here, located in Meridian, Mississippi.