The Hoffmanns have finalized the purchase of approximately 50 acres adjacent to their Knoernschild Vineyards property off Highway 94 (between Jackson and Church Street), bringing the plot to 100 acres and what will be the location of the new 5-star hotel.
Since January, when the Hoffmanns announced their plans to invest $100 million into Augusta to make it the next national wine destination, things have been nonstop. To date, they have acquired four wineries, six vineyards, 1,100 acres, close to 45 buildings and structures, set up a trolley system, brought in vintage Chevy trucks, 20 bronze sculptures, renovated buildings in downtown Augusta, will begin luxury yacht cruises in late September/early October, gator vineyard/winery/cellar tours, plans to build a 12-hole championship golf course, amphitheater and recently opened the Augusta Emporium general store and Kickstand bike shop along the Katy Trail. Now the proposed 60 room hotel will help complete the project.
The 5-star hotel designed by St. Louis architect firm Killeen Studios will feature 53 rooms, seven suites, conference and meeting room space, wedding venue, spa, gym, yoga studio, indoor/outdoor pool, walking paths to town, lounge, restaurant, and more. The much-needed hotel will help make the area an overnight destination where visitors can come to enjoy the wineries and shops for the weekend and help put Augusta on the map as a tourist destination outside of the Midwest.
The project is slated to break ground this fall with an estimated time to completion of 1.5 years. Its sister property, the recently acquired Emmaus Homes Campus, will be converted to a smaller 18 room luxury hotel and offer employee housing for both hotels, a benefit to help entice employees to the area. An estimated 300 additional jobs will be created through the hotels and their venues.
