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Hotel renovations continue on Douglas Ave.

After the closing of the Ramada Inn, also known as the Brewton Motor Inn, located at 1115 Douglas Ave., a new hotel is underway.

“We are working on it. We are making sure everything is done properly,” said co-owner Raj Parmer.

Sapphire Hospitality LLC originally purchased the property at a February 2016 auction for $58,300.  Shut down in 2014 after a leaky roof caused significant damages, the hotel featured 80-plus rooms in the “midscale boutique” hotel with an outdoor pool and banquet with meeting room facilities.

After the damage and in occupancy for many years, the hotel needed extra work. Parmer explained, “We had to completely gut it. We’re still renovating it. We are completing the tiles and sheetrock.” The new hotel will feature a new elevator, updated interior design and décor, all new electrical, mechanical and plumbing. The new brand of the hotel will be Best Western. Along with the new brand, the facility will employ 20-30, with the majority of those in the housekeeping department. Looking forward to the completion of the project, Parmer concluded, “Our goal is the beginning of the year, but that all depends on when everything is delivered. Our main focus is that everything is done properly.