(Helen) – City and county officials joined with business owners Thursday to break ground for a new hotel in downtown Helen.
JT Gangwal, Perform Management, owner of the Holiday Inn Express in Helen welcomed the crowd before the breaking ground on the new 84 guest room Home 2 Suites, a Hilton brand.
The Gangwal family has been operating hotels and lodgings in Helen since 1993.
The building will have four floors on the street side and will be located across the street from Helen City Hall.
JT Gangwal, who was joined by his brother Jetan Gangwal, told the crowd about the project, saying, “We are creating jobs, fostering relationships, and enhancing the overall experience for both residents and visitors.”
Jerry Brown, Executive Director of the Alpine Helen Convention and Visitors Bureau, said with the completion of the new facility, Helen will have 3,000 rooms within a 2 ½ square mile area, which will continue to keep Helen on top as a destination in Georgia .”
According to Carol Powell, Regional Sales Director for the lodging group, the 4th floor will have a restaurant that will provide a view of downtown Helen, which will be open to the public.
Gangwal, in his closing comments, said, “Together we are not just constructing a building, we are building a brighter Helen.”
