Trying to make the ‘Best’ of things in Clarksville

By DAVID A. MANN
David.Mann@newsandtribune.com

September 12, 2008 12:06 pm

— The Clarksville Redevelopment Commission recently approved $5,000 to appraise the America’s Best Inn property on Eastern Boulevard near Interstate 65.
Redevelopment Director Rick Dickman said very preliminary talks are in the works regarding the town possibly purchasing the property for future development.
For now, the hotel is not on the market and there’s no immediate push for a sale, said Mike Yaldo, assistant manager. However, he said, if the appraisal comes back with a reasonable price, it could be considered.
“Everything is for sale at the right price,” he said.
Dickman said the property is not being considered as a potential site for a new town hall, but could be bought by the town and sold to another hotel developer.
“We have a good relationship with four or five hotel developers,” Dickman said. “I think it’s an excellent location for a hotel — not something upscale, but middle-scale. The present hotel is quite dated.”
Three other hotels are under development in Clarksville near Veterans Parkway. Two of the hotels — Candlewood Suites and Suburban Extended Stay -— will have about 110 rooms. An approximately 90-room Holiday Inn Express also is planned.
Revitalizing Eastern Boulevard has been a priority for many Clarksville officials during the last year. A project is in the works that seeks to widen the road. There also have been efforts to recruit new businesses to the area.