ASHLAND — The future of the former Hess & Clark site in Downtown Ashland is again fuzzy.
The owner of the site, John Pacheco, has tapped CBRE Group (Coldwell Banker Ricard Ellis) for the possibility of constructing a hotel on the property.
The global real estate firm is gathering market research for the developer by determining whether the area would be a solid spot for a hotel, said Ashland Mayor Matt Miller.
It’s not the first time plans for the site have changed.
Initially, Pacheco planned to build a data center on the property. Those plans changed when he became interested in building a seven-story apartment building called “Parkview Apartments” with 150-300 units overlooking the planned Urban Meadow just south of the land.
Pacheco was reportedly working to secure funding for that project as late as September. He has repeatedly declined to comment on news articles about the project.
Miller, who has been in consistent contact with Pacheco, and said he shared with the developer that he thought it would be great to have a hotel near the downtown area.
“Because it could be utilized by Ashland University guests, as well as area business guests. Folks would be in a walkable distance to Main Street — to restaurants and so on,” Miller said.
Nothing is set in stone, Miller said.
“Obviously, the Pump House District has evolved over the last several years,” Miller said.
With Vision Development’s intentions of building up to 200 apartment units just south of the former Hess & Clark site, Miller said Pacheco re-evaluated his plans to better fit what might serve the area’s needs.
The mayor pointed to the success of U.S. Route 250’s hotels, but a hotel in the downtown area would serve clients who want to be within walking distance of restaurants and bars.
