Work on the next big project along Benner Pike has started. Here’s what to know
Work is now officially underway on the latest development in one of Centre County’s fastest-growing areas, and local officials gathered Tuesday to highlight what the new hotel will bring to the area.
The Tru Hotel by Hilton will be located next to the G.M. McCrossin, Inc. building along the Benner Pike, across from Bellefonte Lanes.
The plans were first announced last June by Hospitality Asset Management Company, which operates other local hotels including The Hilton Garden Inn, Super 8 by Wyndham, Quality Inn and Nittany Budget Motel. The hotel will have 98 rooms and a 113-car parking lot.
The final development plan, which was approved in February, also includes a 12,000-square-foot retail building with five units available for lease, but Tuesday’s groundbreaking was just for the hotel.
“It’s fantastic that we get the opportunity today to welcome what will be one of the staple hotels in our area,” County Commissioner Steve Dershem said at the groundbreaking ceremony. “I think everything about this area screams for more hotel space.”
In the future, the hotel will play a role in bringing more events to Bellefonte and State College, he added.
Centre County Subdivision and Land Development Planner Chris Schnure said at a previous Centre County Commissioners meeting that two easements will be built on the left and right sides of the roadway leading to the hotel so that it and the retail building can be connected with the Benner Pike Sheetz and any other potential developments that happen on the property to the right of this one.
This hotel project is just one of many ongoing projects along Benner Pike. A new McDonald’s — located next to Giant that opened in 2022 — is nearing completion, with Centre County’s first Wawa in the works and a potential Arby’s also taking shape. A fulfillment center warehouse and several other projects are also planned in the area in the coming years.
Greg Scott, president/CEO of Chamber Of Business & Industry of Centre County, said the area it the perfect spot for the ongoing developments.
“As this area continues to grow, we’re seeing that it’s a tremendous link between Bellefonte and State College,” he said. “It’s 12 minutes from State College and Bellefonte is right down the hill — it’s a great connector.”
The project’s estimated completion date is June 2025.