Jasper Hotel to Undergo Expansion, Renovation

The co-owner of the Hampton Inn in Jasper has announced a major expansion and renovation project. Gail Hettinger says construction has begun on the first phase of the nearly $8 million project, which includes the addition of 17 rooms and is expected to be complete this fall. 

Once the expansion is complete, crews will begin refurbishing the remaining rooms, lobbies, exterior and other parts of the hotel. The project, which will bring the hotel’s room count to 90, is expected to be fully complete next year.

The hotel will remain open while construction is underway. Hettinger says the project could result in the addition of two full-time and two-part time jobs. The hotel currently employs 17. "The hotel is 17 years old; and it will look and feel brand-new when all the work is finished."

The project is being funded through the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 504 loan program and the Indiana Statewide Certified Development Corp., as well as German American Bank. $2.8 million is coming from the Statewide CDC; $3.9 million will come from the bank; and the remainder is coming from the hotel owners.

Hettinger’s family also owns the famous Schnitzelbank Restaurant, which is located next door to the hotel.