Start of conference center project nears

The Northern Arizona University hotel/conference center complex is expected to begin construction the first week in August when fences go up around parking lot 1 and workers prepare for breaking ground on the project.

An official groundbreaking ceremony has not been scheduled.

The project will include a 150-room hotel, built by Missouri-based Drury Hotels, and a 37,000-square-foot conference center with adjacent parking garage, a joint NAU and city of Flagstaff project.

On Thursday the Arizona Board of Regents allowed NAU to form a limited liability company to start selling $10 million in bonds to finance part of the project.

Read a compilation of questions and answers about the effect of the complex on north campus parking.

THIS P