Aug. 28–The Kansas City Council on Thursday approved a development plan that clears the way for construction of a Hilton Home2Suites hotel at 20th and Main streets.

“This is really the last milestone” in city approvals, said Jason Swords, a principal with the Sunflower Group, which partnered with True North Hotel Group on the project.

Swords said they hope to start construction on or before Dec. 1 and finish in 10 to 12 months.

The project required considerable negotiation by the city to remove a giant billboard and involved removal of the Main-Walnut Viaduct that crossed the southeast portion of the property, which spans 1.2 acres just south of 20th Street between Main and Walnut streets.

City officials said the land is highly visible and ripe for development. They supported the plan for the 114-room Home2Suites hotel, which will also have retail tenant space on the ground level.

To reach Lynn Horsley, call 816-226-2058 or send email to [email protected].