Wilmington’s first riverfront hotel marks a major development milestone[video]

The construction of Wilmington’s first full-service hotel in nearly two decades continues to move forward. On Tuesday, construction crews added the last piece of structural steel, completing the height of the 10-story Westin Wilmington Hotel which connects to the Chase Center on the Riverfront.  

Wilmington city officials along with the Buccini/Pollin Group, the company that’s developing the hotel, came together to celebrate the end of one project phase while moving on to another. The “Topping Out” ceremony as it’s called included a crowd of people witnessing the placement of the final steal beam despite the rainy weather. However before it was set atop the structure along with the American Flag, everyone from city to project leaders signed the steel beam.

“Now we can get the roof on and the windows in and do all the important things to create a hotel,” said David Pollin of the Buccini/Pollin Group.

As a new phase begins, developers reminded everyone during the ceremony that the hotel will feature 180 guestrooms, indoor pool, full service restaurant, meeting space, as well as a fitness center.

“At the new Westin Wilmington, our guests will experience thoughtful design and intuitive service to match our landmark structure’s beautiful exterior,” said Pollin.

Wilmington Mayor Dennis Williams says he had concerns about the project initially but is happy to see things moving forward in the right direction.

“This could be the anchor way for the Riverfront Development, and when the Chase Center is full, it’s a place for people to come and stay, and I think we made the right decision, even though I was against it but you know sometime you learn and I support this project 150 percent,” said Williams.

Mike Purzycki the executive director of the Riverfront Development Corporation says the mayor is too hard on himself, because Williams didn’t oppose the hotel just certain funding of the hotel.

In the meantime, the Westin Wilmington which will employ 123 people is set to open in Spring 2014. The project is expected to generate $3.9 million in state and city tax revenues in the first few years after construction.