Downtown hotel ‘focal point’ of Hamilton

Hamilton Vision Awards

HAMILTON — John Guidugli, president and CEO of the Hamilton Community Foundation, said he realized the importance of having a “first-class” hotel downtown.

In 2005, The Hamiltonian, then 20 years old, showed its age, he said. It needed a face lift that would attract new clients and increase its dwindling revenue.

“Something had to be done,” Guidugli said. “We were worried about the property becoming less attractive and offering less than quality.”

A number of scenarios were explored, but no one expressed an interest in taking on the project. That’s when the foundation was approached by representatives of the city and the holders of the hotel’s debt, First Financial Bank and Ohio Casualty Insurance.

The Foundation Board created a separate entity —HCF Properties LLC — to take over ownership of the Hamiltonian and then set to work to raise the needed $6 million.

Concord Hospitality Enterprises Co. took over the hotel and the foundation loaned it the money for renovations.

Eventually, the property was converted into a Courtyard by Marriott, which Guidugli says is the “focal point” downtown because it hosts numerous events and wedding receptions.

The Hamilton Community Foundation is the winner of the Hamilton Vision Award for Economic Development for bringing a Courtyard by Marriott to Hamilton.