Work to restore historic Fort Shelby Hotel downtown moves forward

Work on the renovation of the Fort Shelby Hotel, 525 W. Lafayette Blvd., is moving forward this summer.

Hamburg Township-based Environmental Liability Management Corp. finished the environmental hazard survey for toxic substances – such as asbestos, lead and mold – on July 10.

The study did not reveal any unexpected high levels of toxic substances and even found less asbestos than originally estimated in the building. Abatement of the toxic substances will begin in August. It is expected to finish within three to six months.

MCP Development LLC is redeveloping the Fort Shelby into a 204-room Doubletree Guest Suites Hotel with a 38,000-square-foot conference center. It will also feature a 1,200-square-foot retail space and 63 residential units. The project is expected to create 374 full-time jobs and be finished by late 2007.

The original hotel was constructed in two phases. The original 10-story building was built in 1916. A 22-story tower was added in 1927, which doubled the number of hotel rooms to 900. Albert Kahn Associates and Schmidt, Garden & Martin designed the brick and limestone Beaux Arts high-rise. The hotel closed has been vacant for about 30 years. 

The redevelopment will modernize the original structure while retaining its historic quality. The hotel was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.

Source: Brian Cassidy, principal of Environmental Liability Management Corporation and www.emporius.com.