The only thing I know is that the period open for advance bookings has been quite short since this latest episode started. As the open period winds down it does get extended a bit more.
A few months ago it really seemed like something might be up as the booking period was down to about two days. Someone called the hotel to see when it would be extended. The front desk is kept in the dark about things and they told the caller they were not sure it would be extended. It eventually was extended and extended again a few times.There have been some on and off rumors that a developer who has a successful track record with Marriott might be interested in buying Matthews out. Problem with scenario is that the city or Matthews do not have much bargaining power.

I'm still waiting for retail...

@ChefKevin Well considering that more and more retail transactions are happening on line, I doubt there will be expanding square footage of retail space anywhere in future. Don't hold your breathe. :-)

@joepyeweed Oh, I won't. But when Starbucks, Subway or cash advance joint hasn't moved in, you know nothing else probably will either.

@ChefKevin This just proves it a dead area with no sales potential.

The new apartments Huber built on Main St. also has retail space on the first floor. It will be interesting to see how soon that space fills up.

I think there is potential there, but retail probably ain't it.

@joepyeweed I was talking about the retail space. The apartments are already 3/4 full.

Removed By Request

@cjsummers Catch 22. But will people move downtown without services available to them? I know there are some old buildings in the warehouse district converted into apartments that are filling up, but how long will that trend continue if they have to drive across the river or other parts of Peoria for things they need/want?

@ChefKevin Not only that, but if they are shopping across the river, Peoria (city and county) is losing badly-needed tax revenue.

@cjsummers CJ, I enjoy the fact your staying on this project. It will flip upside down after the second quarter shows how bad it is bleeding. The next owners will be some nasty folks out of Chicago. The original partner is going to trial this year on a $1.1B dollar Medicare fraud. He is the E in EM Properties. The city is looking at a full lose of there developers agreement. And Gary has all ready hid his $7m. fee.
I think we as taxpayers should ask the people who voted for this to step down.

@Truth The city council has no problem spending other peoples (taxpayer) money for their pet projects, but there is never any money for roads, police, sewer, etc. improvements.

@cjsummers CJ, I enjoy the fact your staying on this project. It will flip upside down after the second quarter shows how bad it is bleeding. The next owners will be some nasty folks out of Chicago. The original partner is going to trial this year on a $1.1B dollar Medicare fraud. He is the E in EM Properties. The city is looking at a full lose of there developers agreement. And Gary has all ready hid his $7m. fee.
I think we as taxpayers should ask the people who voted for this to step down.

@Truth Take a guess where people come from who try to low-ball houses for sale.