July 09, 2010--LAYTON -- Construction on a hotel targeting Hill Air Force Base personnel broke ground Thursday morning and county officials say it will boost the local economy.

The $10 million, four-story structure is called Home 2 Suites by Hilton. Bill Duncan, senior vice president of Home 2 Suites, said the project is only the second of its kind in the country and Hill played a major part in the company's decision to build in Layton.

"This was actually specifically designed with Hill Air Force Base in mind and to be near the base," Duncan said. "One of the things we did was look at what are some things that military personnel would need and want if they were to stay here."

Duncan said the only other Home 2 Suites hotel is in Fayetteville, N.C., near Fort Bragg.

"We expect a lot of our military folks to stay here," he said. "The hotel in North Carolina has a big military component."

Duncan said the new unit will offer a discounted rate and military personnel who arrive in town on short notice or government contractors temporarily working at Hill will likely use the hotel. The 108-room hotel is being built on two acres at 800 W. Heritage Park Blvd., directly across the street from the Hilton Garden Inn, and will take about a year to complete. Officials say the hotel will likely bring 30 to 40 permanent jobs to the Layton area. "Jobs equate to a stronger economy," said Layton Mayor Steve Curtis. "This is a prime example of how we are going about improving the economy." Officials say the hotel will expand opportunities for the Davis Conference Center and neighboring retail outlets. "Bread is more valuable with butter and jam, and this adds value to this area," said Davis County Commissioner Louenda Downs. "It will allow us to do things like hold larger events at the conference center." The hotel will accommodate overnight guests, but is designed for stays of more than 10 nights. The suites will be managed by Western State Lodging, the same group that manages the Hilton Garden Inn. The hotel will include a quarter-mile running track around its perimeter, integrated into the urban trail system being developed in partnership with local property owners and the county. Each room at the hotel will include a kitchenette and a work or office area.

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