SORA and Sandalwood have brought InterContinental Hotels Group in to manage the property with the Holiday Inn Express brand, one of several brands IHG manages. All necessary approvals are expected shortly, and construction is expected to start in the fall with an opening planned for late 2009. The property, located at the corner of Route 322 and Rowan Blvd., will have meeting space accommodating 250 people, a business center, high-speed wireless Internet and a full-service restaurant.

"When we decided to take on this redevelopment, we knew we would be taking on a challenge," says Tom Fore, a principal of SORA Holdings. "We're excited by the potential of the Rowan Blvd. project, and we now have a commitment in the hotel project in moving forward."

Councilman Hector Cabezas says "the hotel is part of the first phase of the Rowan Blvd. project. This month, we will make another significant announcement and thereafter will be well on our way."