Cotati Hotel Project by Developer Ken Molinaro Set to Break Ground

News Summary

The long-anticipated Cotati Hotel project, led by developer Ken Molinaro, is finally set to break ground after years of delays caused by financing, the COVID-19 pandemic, and rising costs. Located at 147 St. Joseph Way, this hotel will feature 153 rooms and various amenities, including a fitness center and a stage for live performances. As the only city in Sonoma County without a hotel, Cotati officials emphasize the importance of this project to support local tourism and community events, with a projected completion date of August 2024.

Cotati Hotel Project by Developer Ken Molinaro Finally Set to Break Ground After Five-Year Delay

After a lengthy five-year journey filled with various hurdles, the Cotati Hotel project is finally set to commence construction. Developer Ken Molinaro, who has aimed to bring this much-anticipated hotel to Cotati since 2017, is now closer than ever to realizing his vision.

The road to breaking ground has not been smooth. The project has encountered a series of challenges, beginning with difficulties in securing construction financing. This was compounded by the global pandemic, an uncertain economic climate, and ever-rising construction costs. Just a week before the initial construction was slated to begin, the original lender withdrew their support, placing the project on hold.

Despite these setbacks, preliminary work has already been completed. This groundwork includes essential tasks such as the installation of underground utilities, the completion of a fire suppression system, pouring the footings for the hotel building, erecting rebar for the walls, and installing plywood for the structure. Unfortunately, the project has faced a three-month pause due to ongoing financing issues, prompting Molinaro to pursue new funding options and expect to finalize arrangements shortly.

Once construction breaks ground, the hotel will be situated on a two-acre site at 147 St. Joseph Way, right off Highway 101, previously used as a park-and-ride location. This modern hotel will feature 153 rooms, including five suites, alongside a host of amenities such as a fitness center and outdoor seating. Additionally, plans for the hotel include a restaurant, a lounge bar, a marketplace, and even a stage for live performances. The marketplace is expected to encompass around 6,000 square feet dedicated to food venues.

The Cotati Hotel is significant for the community as Cotati is currently the only city in Sonoma County without its own hotel. The nearest lodging options are located in Rohnert Park, making this project a crucial development for local tourism. The city manager of Cotati has emphasized the importance of the hotel in providing convenient accommodations for visitors.

Beyond simply offering lodging, the hotel and its associated plaza area are designed to facilitate community engagement. This space aims to support local businesses and encourage events that can foster a sense of community among residents. There are even plans for local bands to perform at the hotel, enhancing Cotati’s rich music culture, which is historically linked to venues like the Inn at the Beginning. This potential for musical performances may bolster Cotati’s reputation as a destination for music lovers, especially given the city’s notable music festivals, including the annual Cotati Music Festival and the Cotati Accordion Festival.

Molinaro, who comes with over 30 years of experience in real estate development, has built resorts and hotels in Mexico. His deep ties and commitment to the project have been met with community support, with a majority of feedback from residents being positive. Although initial plans called for operating a Reverb by Hard Rock hotel, those plans fell through, and the project will now be independent.

The Cotati Hotel project’s revival is undoubtedly a welcome development for locals as it stands to enhance tourism and elevate Cotati’s overall profile. However, the project does not exist in a vacuum; broader industry challenges affecting hotel development in California continue to pose obstacles that many in the industry have had to navigate.

With the continued collaboration and support from the community, the Cotati Hotel is now poised to officially break ground, with construction expected to be completed by August 2024. This exciting venture holds promise for both residents and visitors, changing the narrative for Cotati as a city ready to welcome guests with open arms.

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Additional Resources

• North Bay Business Journal: Cotati Hotel Project
• Wikipedia: Cotati, California
• Press Democrat: Cotati Hotel Construction
• Google Search: Cotati Hotel Project
• North Bay Business Journal: Atlas Hospitality Group
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Hotel
• Petaluma360: Petaluma City Revenues
• Google News: Cotati Hotel