New hotel proposed in Fortuna

The design review for a new 105-guest room Tru by Hilton hotel to be constructed in the Riverwalk District area of Fortuna has been approved by the city's planning commission.

At its March 26 meeting, 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.

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 hotel is described as a recently launched Hilton-branded 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 local zoning ordinances. 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.

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

After the design review for the proposed hotel was approved, Fortuna Planning Commission Chair Stephanie Halley said, “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.”