The Columbus Zoo could add an “upscale” hotel on zoo grounds near the entrance.
The zoo is seeking a developer to finance, construct and potentially operate a new hotel, estimated to cost between $32 million and 45 million.
A request for developer interest notes that that the hotel should have at least 130 rooms – including a mix of family-oriented rooms with bunk beds, king beds, double queen rooms and suites. The hotel should also include a themed lobby, some themed rooms and a full-service restaurant.
The potential hotel project is part of a the zoo’s broader expansion effort that could also include a freestanding aquarium.
The request also mentions an indoor pool with a waterslide and whirlpool, a fitness center and some interior event/meeting space.
The potential hotel would also be integrated with the zoo, including a dedicated pedestrian entrance, the potential for early access and bundled ticketing.
Submissions are due by 5 p.m. May 22.
Zoo spokesperson Nicolle Gomez Racey said that after a developer is selected, the hotel would still take at least a few years.
Planning and design could take about 12-18 months, then construction could last 18-24 months, Gomez Racey said.
The city and county extended the no-cost lease with the zoo through 2067 for the zoo to work on long-term developments, including a hotel and aquarium.
Columbus City Council unanimously approved the lease extension in December and county commissioners also approved the extension May 5. Commissioner John O’Grady abstained from the vote as his wife, Pamela Hykes O’Grady, is on the zoo’s board of directors.
Anna Lynn Winfrey covers regional/trending suburban news for The Columbus Dispatch. She can be reached at awinfrey@dispatch.com.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Zoo planning new ‘upscale’ hotel with at least 130 rooms
Reporting by Anna Lynn Winfrey, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
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