Plans for hotel emerge at St. Joseph’s Applebee’s site

By Ashley Luthans

Demolition has begun on the former St. Joseph Applebee’s, which quickly and quietly closed just a few weeks ago. But the property’s owner is already thinking of something new to go in its place.

The restaurant, located at 4004 Frederick Ave., was originally listed as “temporarily closed” near the end of July, but it became clear as signs came down that the closure wouldn’t be short-lived. Construction machinery confirmed that this week, and St. Joseph Applebee’s location is no longer listed on the organization’s website.

Clint Thompson, the planning and community development director for St. Joseph, said the current owner has big plans for the location.

“It is the intent of the current owner to redevelop that site into a hotel, potentially two, in the future, but also to expand the opportunity for an event center/conference and meeting space that the city is lacking at this time,” Thompson said.

Thompson said there are initial plans for a 125-room hotel with a conference space up to 27,000 square feet.

Thompson estimates that this will be a $58 million project.

“So you’ll see a complete revitalization of that vacant lot that is a key gateway into St. Joseph,” Thompson said.