Schenectady, N.Y. — The Galesi Group, BBL Hospitality, and Rockgate Hospitality Group announced today plans to build and operate a new $15 million, 124-room Courtyard by Marriott Hotel at Mohawk Harbor in Schenectady, NY.
Lawrence Gates, President of the Rockgate Hospitality Group said, “While we have been involved with hospitality projects from New York to Kansas and from North Carolina to Canada, this is the most outstanding opportunity that we have encountered. To reclaim a legendary industrial site and recycle it as part of the continued revitalization of a great American city is an opportunity our team feels privileged to have. We look forward to a vibrant partnership with the City and Schenectady County, the citizens of Schenectady, and the members of this great new neighborhood on the Mohawk. This project has all of the key ingredients for a successful hotel project: intercity development, revitalization of a waterfront property, expanding corporations, and a well-known college nearby.”
The Rockgate Hospitality Group is headquartered in Kansas City and has developed, owned and operated hospitality venues in Canada and throughout the United States for over 25 years. The company currently owns and operates 8 hospitality venues with others under development. Rockgate’s local hotel properties include the Marriott Residence Inn in Clifton Park and Latham as well as the SpringHill Suites in Colonie. For more information, see www.rockgatehotels.com.
BBL Hospitality is a multi-brand hotel and restaurant company that owns, operates, and develops facilities along the east coast of the United States. The company owns and manages 14 hotels under various brands, and 12 Recovery Sports Grill sports-themed restaurants, with locations throughout New York, New Jersey, Virginia, West Virginia and Florida. For more information, see www.bblhospitality.com.
Stephen Obermayer, President of BBL Hospitality said, “We are very excited to be working with the Galesi Group and Rockgate Hospitality to bring the Marriott brand to Schenectady. Mohawk Harbor is shaping up as an exciting waterfront destination where people can work, stay, be entertained, and enjoy the waterfront.”
David M. Buicko, COO of the Galesi Group said, “Mohawk Harbor is the culmination of years of work by the Galesi Group, New York State, Metroplex, and the City and County of Schenectady. With this project, we open up 60 acres of waterfront property for new development. The new Marriott is just the beginning of many exciting projects we have planned for this great site.”
Mohawk Harbor also includes 45-50 boat docks and public access to the waterfront via walking and biking paths. In total, the first phase of planned construction is approximately 420,000 square feet including new office space, apartments, condominiums, retail, and space for technology companies.
Hotel guests at the new Courtyard by Marriott will have a variety of retail, dining, and entertainment amenities within walking distance. Mohawk Harbor is also being considered as the home for a new Rivers Casino & Resort. A decision on the casino is expected later this year.
The Galesi Group based in Rotterdam NY is one of the leading real estate developers in New York State with over 11 million square feet of commercial space.
Anthony Jasenski, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature said, “This project is another example of how working together through our unified economic development team, we continue to attract private developers who see Schenectady County as a great investment. The new Courtyard by Marriott is a great addition to Mohawk Harbor that continues the momentum of this important project that is transforming our waterfront.”
Gary McCarthy, Mayor of Schenectady said, “The new Courtyard by Marriott is a great way to launch Mohawk Harbor. This is the first of many positive developments that will occur at this new regional destination.”
Ray Gillen, Chair of the Schenectady Metroplex Development Authority said, “Mohawk Harbor is underway and the new Marriott is a great way to start this new chapter in the redevelopment of the former Alco site.”