Water, construction flow at Oasis

There’s water flowing at the Oasis.

With the flip of a switch, the fountains came to life Aug. 18 at the revamped Oasis Inn & Convention Center, marking one of the final steps in the second of three construction phases on the roughly 40-year-old hotel and convention center.

“It’s a big step toward the finish line,” said Oasis marketing director Shelby Williams.

“Were excited about the fountains, but we’ll be excited when the front lobby and main entrance is done.”

That’s part of the estimated $4.5 million Phase III, already under way and slated to wrap up in about eight months at the 2550 N. Glenstone Ave. complex.

Property owner Robert Low, who also owns trucking company Prime Inc. and two other hotels under Campus Inc., is investing about $10 million into the renovation of the 10-acre compound, formerly a Howard Johnson hotel. Phase II has an approximate $2.5 million price tag, Oasis officials said.

In addition to a rebuilt lobby, Phase III will add 6,000 square feet of meeting space and a restaurant called Fire and Ice – named for its planned open-air kitchen and bar topped with a 12-inch permanent strip of ice.

“We’re doing a lot with bricks and mortar,” said Oasis general manager Kevin Klein, “but our main focus is on people and the quality of the service.”

Jack Ripley, project estimator for general contractor Killian Construction, said renovations are moving along swiftly despite limitations that come with building around a functioning hotel.

“Our biggest task is working around the existing hotel that’s open to the public,” Ripley said. “But, it’s going as smoothly as possible.”

Klein said heavy landscaping is planned to begin in September with the intent of changing the environment.

“Trees will have a canopy effect, so you feel like your driving into a resort and not just a sea of asphalt,” he said.

Gary Leonard, who owns five area Steak N’ Shake restaurants, including one a couple of blocks north of the Oasis Inn, said he’s excited about what the renovations mean for business along North Glenstone.

“I don’t think it can be anything but good,” he said, noting that more hotel guests mean more Steak N’ Shake patrons.

“They’ve spent a ton of money and it’s very attractive,” he added.

The hotel currently has 179 functioning rooms but will end with 173 after all the construction is finished. Poolside rooms currently cost $89 nightly and will go for an estimated $109 when construction is complete.

According to Oasis officials, occupancy rates are running about 35 percent but reach 60 percent when the complex hosts conferences.[[In-content Ad]]