NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Hutchinson Interim City Manager Mary Grace Clements noted at Tuesday's Hutchinson City Council meeting that a big step for the new Hilton Garden Inn on Waldron next to Aldi is scheduled to happen on Wednesday.
"Right now, they are planning on pouring the entire floor of the hotel in one day," Clements said. "We're anticipating that. The contractor, this is their plan. We envision a lot of different trucks, heavy equipment rolling into the area, which could cause some traffic challenges."
That is of concern because of the project's proximity to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center.
"We're looking at how we can let EMS know," Clements said. "Coordinate how we can navigate with the traffic coming in and out and people trying to get into those restaurants. It's one day of heartburn for a lot of goodwill for the community. We hope that you all can be patient with us as we work through this. It's an exciting day, because the next phase of this is happening."
This is important to be able to show to NJCAA officials as they come to town for the tournament.
"It was really important that they see progress and that they get some assurance that facility is going to be open by next March," said Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce CEO Debra Teufel. "They've been not just moving dirt. It looks like they're getting a lot of infrastructure in the ground first, before it starts going vertical. She's very hopeful things are going to start going vertical before the officials arrive."
The tournament starts Sunday, March 24.
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