Dual-brand Hilton hotel coming to site of former Dawson Road Sears outlet

ALBANY – In about 24 months or less, a new hotel is expected to sprout in northwest Albany at the site of the former Sears store at the Albany Mall.

The dual-brand hotel at 2601 Dawson Road will feature extended-stay suites and conventional rooms for travelers.

“It’s going to be a Hilton brand hotel,” Hitesh Patel with HNC Investments LLC, which is developing the property, said.

The conventional rooms will carry the Tru by Hilton brand. In all, the four-story hotel will have 162 rooms.

“They are for two different clienteles, under one umbrella with two different brands,” Patel said.

The Albany City Commission on Tuesday approved the special zoning request to allow for the development of the hotel on a 4.09-acre parcel. HNC purchased the property in May 2021.

“At this point it’s under a drawing phase,” Patel said. “Architectural is working on the project. Design takes a year. This is a big project.”

Patel said he anticipates construction could begin in the fall or early 2025, with completion expected in 18 months to two years.

The HNC group also operates another nearby hotel.

“We still have a Hampton Inn, which is a strong business,” Patel said. “We are very excited about this project. It will add to the value for the mall, as well. It will attract other (businesses) … restaurants, retail.

“Albany has been very good for our group.”

Albany Mall Manager Charles Cook also said he thinks the new hotel will be good for business in the area.

“I think it’ll have a good impact on the mall,” he said. “I’m confident it’s going to drive traffic to the mall.”

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