ATWELL SUITES PLANS TO OPEN IN 2024
Following the construction and recent opening of the New Terminal at KCI Airport, a new hotel chain is coming to the KCI Corridor.
Last month, Wheatbelt, Inc., a local stockholder-owned distributor, broke ground on a brand new Atwell Suites Hotel at 11732 NW Plaza Circle, Kansas City in Platte County. It is directly east of I-29 and south of Cookingham Drive.
The four-acre site sits just three miles away from the 40-gate terminal at the Kansas City International Airport, near the TownePlace Suites by Marriott.
Surrounded by other hotels and the KCI Expo Center, the site’s flat surface served as an overflow parking area for more than a decade.
Renderings of the proposed four-story hotel feature 104 spacious guest rooms and 62,400 square feet of floor space.
Michael Rose, general manager for Holiday Inn KCI/Expo Center and chairman for the Hotel & Lodging Association of Greater Kansas City, told The Landmark: “Atwell Suites™ KCI Airport is a new all-suites, upper-midscale brand that has been designed for opportunity seekers, guests that want every trip to be fulfilling and encourage their personal journeys.”
The hotel brand says it showcases a friendly atmosphere with “flexible coworking spaces in the lobby” and small meeting rooms. Guests can also expect a complimentary 24/7 beverage station featuring sparkling water, bean-to-cup coffee, and a selection of herbal teas.
“Our hotel will offer places to gather together and discover something different. From our flexible and enriching spaces that allow guests to easily switch between work and rest – to our food and drink to start and end the day, which offers complimentary breakfast when the sun is coming up and an inviting paid bar with small plates when the evening is getting started – Atwell Suites is there to inspire the journey,” said Rose.
Outside, a total of 227 parking stalls will wrap around the hotel’s perimeter to accommodate guests’ parking needs. The developer provided more stalls than required to account for visitor parking and flying or attending hotel events.
Wheatbelt Inc., which also developed the adjacent Holiday Inn, has agreed to provide a 30-foot easement on the west side for the planned expansion of the I-29 multi-purpose trail that extends south to Barry Road.
The KCI Corridor has experienced recent accretions and has become a major employment hub. Linear trails are designed to promote safe travel for non-motorized users, including pedestrians and cyclists getting to work or using it for recreation.
IHG (Intercontinental Hotels Group) franchises the new upper-midscale Atwell Suites Hotel brand. Currently, only two other Atwell Suites exist. One is located near Denver International Airport and the other is in Downtown Miami.
“The Atwell Suites brand will create an environment that allows guests to build connections, find their place, and be themselves,” said Rose.
While the idea of adding a new hotel to Wheatbelt’s portfolio is not new, the local stockholder-owned company decided around this time last year it was the best time to set their plans into action. The hotel development has not run into zoning issues or financing complications. But with any new hotel project, handling all the necessary permits can be a little “tricky.”
“We look forward to welcoming Atwell Suites to Platte County, bringing $16 million in capital investment and 20 new jobs to our area. The addition of 104 beds along the I-29 hotel corridor will be welcomed as we continue to see increased activity through the new KCI Airport,” said Tina Chase, executive director of the Platte County Economic Development Council.
Atwell Suites plans to open in September or October of 2024. This in turn will increase the number and variety of room accommodations for visitors.
Currently, Platte County has 46 hotels totaling 4,604 guest rooms.