Bidding for Proposed Hotel in Glendale Is Narrowed to 3 Chains

The Glendale Redevelopment Agency has narrowed to three the hotel chains competing to build a major new hotel downtown.

Red Lion Inns, Radisson Hotel Corp. and Sheraton Corp. were unanimously selected by the agency Tuesday as the most qualified to build a 300-room, full-service commercial hotel.

City Council members, acting as the redevelopment agency, said the three have demonstrated a commitment to the community, have proposed quality projects and have strong financial backing.

The finalists will be asked to submit design concepts and business proposals. The agency expects to select one of the proposals in October.

The agency rejected proposals by three other major chains, Marriott Hotels, Embassy Suites Inc. and Quality Inns International. A seventh major chain, Registry Hotel Corp., withdrew a proposal to compete for the development, city officials said.

Critical Need

City officials said there is a critical need for meeting rooms and banquet facilities as well as a hotel to serve the growing financial and corporate center in the downtown redevelopment area. They also are seeking amenities such as restaurants, a cocktail lounge with entertainment, a swimming pool, a health club, retail shops and travel-related services.

Two potential sites for the hotel have been recommended by the agency, both on Central Avenue and immediately north and south of the Ventura Freeway. The city expects to share the cost of acquiring land with the developer, said Susan Shick, deputy redevelopment director. She said land adjacent to the freeway, which is zoned for high-rise development, is the most expensive in the city and costs more than a hotel can support. The city may have to contribute as much as $12 million, officials said.

Shick said a hotel could be completed by as early as 1988.