Two area residents play pivotal roles in a new eight-story hotel now under construction between the State Capitol and the University of Texas.

Michael Harrell, Barton Creek resident and chairman of the board of Vista Host Inc., a Houston-based hotel management company, is also a principal in VHR,LLC, owner of the new Hampton Inn that will be built on the shell site originally begun for the former Fondren condo tower at 1701 Lavaca Street. West Lake Hills resident Ann Patterson is the consulting architect for the project.

The new hotel will contain eight stories, 137 guest rooms, underground parking for 95 cars and meeting space for 100 people at an estimated cost of $24.5 million. Vista Host will manage the hotel, which is expected to be completed in September.

“The timing was right for this new property with the improved economy and the ongoing need for prime hotel space in the area surrounding the University of Texas,” Harrell said. “We see the location as a huge asset with the University, the State Capitol and state office buildings in such close proximity.”

While the hotel will be similar to other Hampton Inn facilities, building on the site of a partially completed frame for the intended condos offers the builders opportunities for enhancements.

“We were thrilled the original structure frame was there,” said Patterson, who consults with Harrell on other hotel projects. “

Using the existing frame allows VHR to grandfather in elements like overhanging balconies, a porch that stretches out over the sidewalk, 11-foot ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows in guest rooms. Patterson said that she plans to work some of the warm terracotta and brown colors prominent in UT architecture into the brick structure of the building. The hotel will feature a fourth-floor pool that overlooks the Capitol complex and the UT tower.

“We are very proud and delighted with what we were given, and we are trying to take advantage of it,” Patterson said. “For example, because of the placement of the building, the corners are all glass on all the floors. The views will be extraordinary.”

We welcome your comments on our stories but will publish only those that do not violate our commenting guidelines