The Keefer House Hotel, located downtown, is undergoing renovations. Jillian Parks | Collegian

CL Real Estate requested an extension for the Keefer House Hotel project until Dec. 31 at the Hillsdale City Council meeting Tuesday.

The extension, if approved by the city council at its Oct. 6 meeting, would extend the Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act, which provides property tax exemptions.

“I mean this when I say this, no one wants this hotel finished more and open more than myself, our company, and our owners,” said Brant Cohen, senior development associate at CL Real Estate. “To that end, we’ve remained present and committed to this project. Through every challenge, we’ve consistently met every obstacle with determination and perseverance.”

CL Real Estate acquired the property in 2018 for $60,000 and construction began in the fall of 2021.  

Nick Fox, vice president of construction and development at CL Real Estate, said the company has overcome many challenges.

“We’ve got good subcontractors, got a great new local plumber that has come in and really jumped into it,” Fox said. “Right now, we are on the tipping point of starting all of the finishes. Drywall is going to be starting at the end of this week and next week. We are waiting for one crucial in-wall mechanical and plumbing inspection. That will basically start that whole process of getting the rest of the drywall in, and then that’ll move right into all of the finishes.”

Ward 3 Councilman Gary Wolfram said he would “strongly support” an OPRA extension.

“Making a 34-room boutique hotel is going to really add to the value of the different buildings around downtown,” Wolfram said. “So that actually will probably improve the value of the properties and therefore bring in more tax revenue for the city.”

Fox said CL Real Estate has all the materials and equipment, including the nightstands and mattresses.

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