The economic doldrums persist, but that isn”™t stopping the Stack family from building on their successful catering venue, Catlin Creek.
The Victorian home has been in the family for several generations and eventually became a destination for weddings, business mixers and parties. One problem: Hotels were not close by, and guests often had to figure out where to stay ”“ and how to get there ”“ particularly if coming for a wedding.
The Stacks have spent several years preparing for their next move: to build a hotel on the grounds that would complement the original house”™s Victorian style, but to throw in some “oohs” and “aahs” to make Catlin Creek even more desirable a destination for a wedding.
The family”™s $7 million project is already underway, but the official groundbreaking was held Nov. 20, attended by several local officials and the Orange County Partnership, which commended the family for bucking the recession and showing others the county is a vibrant place to grow a business.
“Despite the recession, the Stacks are placing their faith in our county as a place to build, grow and be successful,” said Maureen Halahan, partnership president.
With help from the Orange County Industrial Development Agency and underwriting by Provident Bank, the Stacks are on track to have their new hotel opened in time for the May 2010 wedding season. “We”™re really excited,” said Stephanie Stack, who books the events for Catlin. “This is going to be a great place to have an event and have a hotel right on the premises for the bridal party and their guests. No worrying about driving or trying to find a place to stay.”Â
The 40-room boutique hotel will offer the best of amenities, said the Stacks, including a day spa. “A great place for the bride-to-be and her family to relax before the big day,” said Stack. “We have been dreaming about this for years ”“ our dream finally has an actual foundation.”Â
State Sen. John Bonacic, R-New Hope, was on hand to congratulate the Stacks for their vision and commitment. “It”™s really a tribute to them,” he said. “They worked very hard to offer a unique product. This new hotel is going to create 50 new jobs for the area. It underscores the fact that small business is the lifeblood of our community.”
Town of Wawayanda Supervisor John Razzano said he hoped the Stacks”™ new hotel would “help spur growth along the Route 6 corridor.”
Susan Cayea, executive director for Orange County Tourism told the group, “Fifteen years ago, we couldn”™t get a hotel to come into this county. Today, we have a plethora, but this will be the first ”˜boutique”™ hotel in the county ”“ it”™s going to be a real plus for tourism.”
Are the Stacks nervous about the economy? “Everyone is leery,” said Stephanie Stack, mingling among the well-wishers inside Catlin Creek after the groundbreaking ceremony. “But this has been a dream of our family for years and it”™s finally happening. We”™ve been getting solid bookings, and I know the hotel will just add to the allure of having an event here. We”™re confident that the economy will eventually climb out of the doldrums and we”™ll be able to offer something truly unique to our clients.”
