Financing holds up city hotel....

"You have a hotel with 206 rooms ready to go. We've never asked for anything (before). And this is how we're treated?"

Mike Roberts, co-owner

The historic Roberts Walthall Hotel in downtown Jackson has been darkened for nearly a year, and the property's owner is unsure when it may reopen. Mike Roberts, one half of the St. Louis brothers who own the hotel, said last week the company, Roberts Hotel Group, is working to secure a $15 million loan to complete the project and the city's decision not to guarantee the loan has slowed their efforts to reopen.
The loan would be repaid by the developers to a private entity specializing in infrastructure work for hotels.

However, the mayor's office on Friday said no decision has been made about the Roberts Brothers' request. Chris Mims, the mayor's spokesman, said the city's financial advisers were reviewing the proposal.

Roberts said until they secure the financing he is unsure when the 83-year-old property will reopen, although he says he remains committed to finishing the repairs.
Up to 60 rooms are available for advanced bookings, and banquets and events still are being held there.

Noting the city is looking to enter a public-private partnership with another developer to build a hotel across from the Jackson Convention Complex, Roberts wonders why his project isn't getting the same type of support.

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