By the Midland Daily News

Albion, MI – “This hotel is an important step, but only the first step in the new Albion,” declared Albion City Manager Sheryl Mitchell, as she greeted a crowd of at least 200 people at the ceremonial groundbreaking for a Courtyard Marriott hotel.

Set to open in the fall of 2017, the hotel is a centerpiece of downtown revitalization efforts that will benefit both the community and the college.

Saginaw-based developer Sam Shaheen, class of 1988, described by Albion College President Mauri Ditzler as the “driving force” behind the hotel project, told the audience that “making communities better” is a core value of Shaheen Development. Shaheen said that he and the city have been in talks about a hotel since 2010.

“This is about family,” Shaheen said. “We believe in what this means to the city, the college and the citizens of Albion.”

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