The company recently received city approval to develop a 107-key Staybridge Suites and Johnny's Italian Steakhouse at 301 E. Lincoln Ave. The $26 million development, called Spirit at the River, will get underway later this year. Spirit hopes to apply for a building permit in September and open in 2020.

"We are looking forward to making this site a community connection point for pedestrians using the Poudre Trail, when for the past several decades it has been fenced off from any public use," said Moira Bright, Spirit Hospitality senior vice president of development.

The Staybridge Suites will feature the Johnny's steakhouse on the first level. It will comprise approximately 4,700 square feet with a large outdoor patio area in the hotel's courtyard.

"No one, that we are aware of, has done a restaurant in a Staybridge before, but we wanted better street front activation on Lincoln Avenue," said Bright, explaining Spirit obtained the blessing of hotel brand owner IHG and revised its plans to include the restaurant.

"We really wanted to differentiate this Staybridge Suites from the other extended-stay product in Fort Collins, which is concentrated along the Harmony corridor on the south side of the city. When we took a look at this property, the surrounding businesses and the improvements the city has completed along Lincoln Avenue, we knew this was a special and incredibly rare opportunity to create a connectivity to Old Town to a new commercial centre while paying tribute to the history of residential communities in the north-side neighbourhoods," said Bright.

Spirit CEO Bill Albrecht said: "Fort Collins is a hub of economic activity anchored by its thriving downtown core and surrounding businesses, including Odell Brewing and Woodward, that need access to more extended-stay hotel rooms to accommodate consultants and employees. We are bringing this development to enhance the city's offering to meet those needs while also working hard to support the environment in and around the property."