Lake Norman Publications

Buzz building for proposed aquatic center




 

 

MOORESVILLE – Town commissioners passed a resolution Feb. 2 taking another step closer to the completion of SwimMAC’s aquatic center at LangTree Lake Norman.

Ron Johnson, chairman of the Mooresville Convention and Visitors Bureau, told commissioners that people who follow swimming normally spend more money than other sports.

Given that SwimMAC could hold as many as 15 to 20 meets yearly, Johnson anticipates the center, as well as the DoubleTree hotel, generating more tourism dollars for the town.

“It’s going to give us serious money to market Mooresville,” Johnson said. “All the other opportunities that are going to be there, I don’t know how you put a number on it. It’s a great environment for the town.”

Steve Welly, president of RL West Langtree Development Company, is developing the project.

Welly said the timetable for the entire project is about 4-6 years for full build-out.

Plans are to first construct SwimMAC and then to add the parking garage/hotel. According to Welly, the construction is slated for June and will take 10 months. The hotel will probably open in summer 2017.

“Once the bonds close and the tax incentive grant is complete, we will close with hotel developer/Pharos Hospitality and donate the land to SwimMAC,” Welly said.

The town has specific steps to follow for full approval, according to spokeswoman Kim Sellers.

Anticipated key dates include a public hearing March 2; adoption of the revenue bond order March 16; the posting and marketing of the bond April 8; and the bond closing the week of May 4.

“We’re getting great feedback from the community, especially local hotels who hope to fill more hotel rooms when the swim meets begin,” said Brian Long, vice president of sales and leasing for RL West.

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