Oct. 02–LAKE GEORGE — Steel superstructure has begun to rise from the future site of the six-story Courtyard Marriott, on Canada Street.

David Kenny, principal of the hotel developer, Kenny Dittrich Amherst LLC, said Wednesday the steel frame is being put in place now for the restaurant, banquet halls and meeting/wedding space.

Kenny said no decision has been made yet about who will lease the restaurant space, though he has begun seeking a tenant. There's no rush, he said.

"It's not about who's going to pay the most; it's about the tenants that are going to bring the most excitement to Lake George," he said.

The developers have decided retail space at the hotel will be used to house a full-service spa. And an additional 35 parking spaces — taking total parking to around 170 — will be added behind the building, thanks to a planned two-deck parking garage, Kenny said.

The project is on schedule for opening in late May or early June, though Kenny said an earlier opening is not out of the question, weather permitting.

"We're looking to get the building closed-in between Nov. 20 and Dec. 10," he said, adding interior work and the building's Adirondack-style facade will be added through the winter months.

The hotel project, which has been controversial because of its size — specifically it's six-story height — will feature 119 rooms, 39 suites and a rooftop lounge, in addition to the spa, restaurant and meeting/event spaces. It will be open year-round.

According to the Adirondack Park Agency permit for the hotel's construction, annual patronage is expected to be around 110,000.

The building is being erected by Clifton Park-based Pike Co.

The total investment will be around $26 million, with construction costs alone on track to reach $15 million to $18 million, Kenny said Wednesday.

The development has been hailed by Lake George Mayor Robert Blais as a way to move the community toward a year-round tourism destination. Blais spoke at a groundbreaking ceremony for the development in May.

"The facility, with its conference center, retail stores, right on the main street of our village, will be a giant step forward in keeping the lights on in Lake George and keeping people thinking about coming to this region all times of the year," Blais said.

Blais could not be reached for comment Wednesday.