Tioga Suites Hotel - Press Release Luxury Hotel Suites, Apartments, Fine Dining, Spirits, Furniture Outlet, Main Street Chanute Office PO Box 904, 12 East Main Street, Chanute, Kansas 66720 - Toll Free (866) 698-4642)   Fax (620) 431-3336
Press Release August 5, 2004 Buyers Announce Plans for the Tioga Todd and Amy Johnson of rural Erie announced today they have agreed to purchase the Tioga Hotel.  Todd has been Vice President of Peoples State Bank of Cherryvale for 12 years.  Amy teaches pre-school at the “Color- My-World Preschool” in St. Paul.  They own the Big Hill Lodge in Cherryvale and have several investment properties. Todd’s aunt, Sharon Stirewalt, will be managing the facility.  She is planning to sell her business, “Sharon’s Garden Station”.  She has a long history with Chanute’s Main Street Program and currently serves as their interim director. “Amy and I share my aunt’s enthusiasm for downtown Chanute and especially for the historic Tioga property.  We first toured the building in March and immediately fell in love with it.  Structurally it is in excellent condition, except for the west exterior wall and the roof.  Built in 1929 as one of the state’s first fireproof hotels, the walls, floors, and roof are reinforced concrete and there is absolutely no sign of any settling.” The contract does not call for any contingencies, except for the requirement of clear title.  Closing and possession is scheduled for August 20, 2004.  The city council meeting scheduled for August 23, 2004, should be when the “Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund” application will be considered to provide some of the funds necessary for the project.   Renovations will begin immediately thereafter.  The first priority will be the new roof.  A solarium will be built on the second story deck and feature a variety of house plants.  The elegant first floor will consist of a lobby area and space leased for a bar, restaurant, and retail businesses.   The 55 suites will be sold as condominiums which would primarily house senior citizens.  They will also be available for purchase by local businesses having regular travelers to Chanute.  Initially, at least five of these suites will be furnished and operate as a hotel for short and long-term stays.  The basement will be a large recreation area for residents with an entertainment center, fitness center, crafts, quilting, and an area for resident meals.   “Tioga Suites will offer hassle-free retirement living.  We will weave together an attractive package that includes superior amenities, special personal services, exceptional cuisine, and an active lifestyle all at a great value,” says Todd Johnson. “Residents will find relief from day-to-day household obligations, ongoing maintenance, costly repairs, and laborious yard work.  They will foster new friendships in our elegant common areas as they take part in diverse activities from guest speakers and museum visits to dances and quilting classes.” “We will be leasing the restaurant and bar.  Already we have met with several parties interested in this space and we expect others to come forward once they know this is available.”   “The Tioga restaurant and bar already have a great atmosphere and location.  We expect it to have great food and service as well.  Therefore, we will be patient and diligent in our search for the perfect fit in our facility.  We are looking for someone creative to provide a unique dining experience.  Wine tasting parties, murder mystery dinners, and multiple course meals are just some of the things we’re hoping to offer.  The menu will include items in a variety of price ranges so that everyone can be comfortable dining here.  Condo residents can purchase a meal plan which offers them a variety of choices for breakfast, lunch, and dinner”.   “We expect to have the restaurant and bar open by October 15, 2004.  The Hotel and Condominiums should be available shortly thereafter, certainly by November 15th.  We are estimating 21 jobs will be created when the property is occupied.” During the renovation phase of this project, they will be hiring people with skills in sheetrocking, painting, plumbing, heat & air, roofing, electrical, cleaning, and general carpentry.  They are currently taking bids on various aspects of the project. “Parking is a very important issue to the success of the Tioga.  The City of Chanute made a substantial offer to a previous prospective buyer to add parking in the area and we will continue working with the City to pursue additional public or private parking near the hotel.  We have some ideas in the same price range that might not be as controversial as those presented in the past.” “This project will provide a safe, clean, spacious, enjoyable, and affordable place for area elderly to live, and a beautiful, historic hotel to attract people to downtown Chanute.  This is an incredibly important project for the Chanute community.  This landmark must be saved from further deterioration.  We hope everyone shares our passion for saving the beautiful Tioga Hotel and revitalizing the "Crown Jewel" of downtown Chanute, Kansas.” For complete updated information about the status of this project, visit their website at www.TiogaSuites.com.   Also, you may contact Todd Johnson at (620) 431-3343, toll free at (866) MY-TIOGA, or by mail at PO Box 904, Chanute, Kansas 66720.