CORNING, N.Y. (WENY) -- It's been a long-time coming, but three years after breaking ground, the new Hilton-Garden Inn in downtown Corning has officially opened its doors. On Thursday, hotel staff welcomed the community to give them a glimpse into the completed $20 million dollar project.
"We're the first hotel to have this design rolled out, so we're excited about that," says General Manager Linda Wright.
"We're hoping a lot of people from the public will come in; they've been driving by and watching this project for awhile and seem pretty invested in it."
The 82,000 square foot hotel sits where the former Days Inn once stood, which was torn down back in 2014. After soil-contamination caused an almost two-year delay, the finished product now offers 125 rooms, a full bar and restaurant and an indoor saltwater pool. But the benefits extend beyond what's being offered to guests.
"Not only is it a 20 million dollar investment in our community, but we now have a hotel to attract people to stay in this community," says James Johnson, Executive Director of the Steuben County IDA. "When people stay they spend money at eateries and shops. It really is a huge boom for our community."
The project has also employed over forty people in the Corning area.
"We have been looking forward to this opening and excited about working here and it's just a pleasure," says Wright. "The hotel sells itself, it's so beautiful."