The new Courtyard by Marriott Hotel, adjacent to Shippensburg University’s Conference Center, celebrated its grand opening on Oct. 9 at 10:30 a.m., during a ribbon cutting ceremony outside the hotel’s front doors.
The construction of the hotel began almost a year ago, spurred by a partnership between the SU Foundation, Volvo Construction Equipment, Raider Capital Ventures, and Shaner Hotel Group.
Located along the northern side of SU, the new Marriott features amenities such as an indoor swimming pool, an outdoor courtyard and a fitness center. The hotel includes several upgrades from its standard model, with custom tile work and reclaimed barn wood.
“We wanted to be able to respond to [SU] President [George "Jody"] Harpster’s request for help when [financial] times are tough,” said SU Foundation President John Clinton. “Already, our business is growing.”
According to Clinton, plans to begin construction on phase three of the Conference Center will be occurring in the near future.
Prior to the proposal to build a new hotel, a feasibility study was conducted to determine what type of business was needed and what was in demand in the Shippensburg area. After determining that a hotel of this type would meet the growing need of industrial companies moving into the area, the project began to move forward.
SU Foundation Vice President Joel Zellinger said that building a hotel in this location would help not only the university, but the entire Shippensburg region.
“The great thing about this project is that we are not going to be in the hotel business, but it gives us room to grow in the foundation. This hotel fits perfectly into our purpose, into why we [the Foundation] exists,” Zellinger said.
Several key speakers, including state Rep. Mark Keller and Harpster, said that the hotel is the perfect pairing of quality lodging and location.
During the ribbon cutting ceremony, Harpster shared with the crowd of more than 150 people why building the hotel was an important business investment for the university.
“I believe 100 percent that this will encourage more families to not only visit the SU campus, but to get to know the town of Shippensburg. Then, they’ll want their children, or [even] grandchildren, to come here,” said Harpster. “There is no hotel closer to the campus that could provide a more welcoming atmosphere.”
Harpster said that many students see the new hotel “as a place of potential part-time employment,” and said that this is the ideal place to stay for those attending SU sporting events and other related activities.
Along with Keller, SU alumnus and state Senator Richard Alloway also played an important role in getting the project off the ground and in assisting with funding.
“We love to invest money in the commonwealth and employ people,” Alloway said. “We are looking forward to continued successes and growths [in Shippensburg].”
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