Destiny USA outlines plans for $75 million hotel project

SYRACUSE — Destiny USA is “prepared to take the next steps” to develop an on-site, all-suites hotel to accommodate “the influx of leisure travelers to the region.”

That’s according to a letter that David Aitken, an executive at Destiny USA, wrote to Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney and Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner.

The project would cost $75 million based on an analysis of the design and construction work involved, the letter said.

Destiny USA intends to finalize its relationship with a “leading hospitality brand” and file an application with the Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency to “induce the project and grant financial assistance,” the letter said.

The proposed project includes 252 hotel rooms connected to Destiny USA, along with the associated conference and meeting space.

Destiny USA would also seek Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) certification for the project, the letter indicated.

The new development will directly create more than 300 construction jobs and more than 80 permanent positions, along with new sales tax and room-occupancy tax revenues.

Plans are to build the project on a portion of the existing south parking lot across Hiawatha Boulevard and connect the hotel to Destiny USA through an enclosed pedestrian bridge, according to the letter.

The company is “engaged in the financial markets” to secure private financing to pay for the project. Destiny USA hopes to begin work on the effort in the spring, with an opening expected in time for the holiday season of 2015, the letter said.

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com