The University Foundation has decided not to partner with a hotel franchise for the planned hotel and conference center downtown.

Dan Smith, economic development director for the city, said the decision to go without a brand name was ultimately made by the University Foundation after it worked with a consultant and studied hotels at colleges like Ohio University and Miami University.

“The discussion was along the lines of ‘is this really a unique hotel or one that should be franchised?’” Smith said. “(The University Foundation) felt that the Kent State Hotel and Conference Center brand would carry the day.”

The hotel and conference center, to be located on South DePeyster Street, will house approximately 100 suite-style rooms for about $100 a night, President Lester Lefton told the Stater on Sept. 6.

Smith said the University Foundation could still opt to give the hotel a brand name in the future, but for now, going without a brand name should save the project from franchise fees.

Much of the parking for the hotel and conference center will be accommodated by the new PARTA transit center being constructed along Erie Street between South DePeyster Street and Haymaker Parkway. The $26 million facility will offer 300 parking spaces.

Pizzuti Companies, the Columbus-based development firm handling the project, said the hotel and conference center should be completed by September or October 2012.

There will be a groundbreaking event for the hotel and conference center Monday, Sept. 19.

Contact Caitlin Restelli at [email protected].