NEWS RELEASE- May 31, 2005

Contacts:
Liz McGree,
JEM Development,
509-248-4040

Construction to begin on new hotel in downtown Yakima

Yakima, Washington., May 31, 2005--- JEM Development announced today that it has received final approval for its building permits from the City of Yakima and will begin construction of the Hilton Garden Inn Yakima to be located at 401 E Yakima Ave. Construction is expected to start immediately and be completed by early 2006.

The $11 million Hilton Garden Inn hotel project is being funded through a combination of private financing and HUD loan funds. The property is situated in the former Mervyn’s department store, and the building will be extensively remodeled with an addition of three new floors. The five-story building will feature 106 guestrooms, a lobby/lunge area, flexible meeting rooms, and indoor pool, restaurant and premium retail and office space.

“This hotel will serve the expanding convention and tourism business which is increasingly vital for all of Yakima’s growth,” says Joseph R. Morrier, president of JEM Corporation and Matrix Capital Bank to create this opportunity to be part of revitalizing downtown Yakima and to help create jobs for local residents.”

Seattle architect, Ed Abbott AIA and the studio staff at Abbott Heys & Associated, Inc. designed the plans for the three story addition and the remodeled space. G.H. Moen, LLC and MSI Construction of Yakima have been selected to oversee and construct the new hotel.

For more information on the Hilton Garden Inn Yakima, visit

www.aha-arch.com. To find out more about Hilton Garden Inn hotels in the U.S., Canada or Mexico, visit www.hiltongardeninn.com.

 

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