Travere City commissioners unanimously approved a brownfield plan for the Park Place Hotel Tuesday, leaving the project with just one remaining hurdle to clear going forward.

The brownfield plan describes $2.6 million in local eligible reimbursement funding in relation to the demolition of the Park Place dome and construction of a new conference center, including just under $1 million to the Park Place for demolition and clean-up costs and $1.6 million to fund three major public improvement projects downtown. "I'm excited about this project," said Commissioner Gary Howe, who said he hoped the hotel project, a new marketplace going in across the street and planned streetscape improvements on Park Street this year would "hopefully generate some activity" in the State Street corridor.

Hotel officials told commissioners the new facility will be "state of the art" and a potential economic boon for downtown. Some commissioners noted their desire to build a public easement into the development agreement to ensure the public will continue to be able to traverse the hotel property as a connection between State and Washington streets. "Now is the time when we're making an agreement and collaborating to get something in place," said Commissioner Tim Werner. Agreed Commissioner Brian Haas: "I think creating more of a pedestrian easement through there or just better access I think is good for the whole surrounding area." Hotel officials said they had no objections to partnering with the city to provide public access through the Park Place property.

The brownfield plan next goes to Grand Traverse County commissioners on March 15. That body represents the final approval step for the plan.