Photo by Justin Criado

Kratsa Properties held an official groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday, Oct. 8 for its new Holiday Inn Express hotel on 228 Federal St. in North Shore.

By Justin Criado

Kratsa Properties held a official groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday, Oct. 8 for its new Holiday Inn Express hotel on 228 Federal St. in North Shore.

“This hotel has been in the works for a while and we’re very happy that this day has finally come,” Eric Kratsa said. “My parents and I have always believed in this hotel.”

The hotel has been in the works since 2009, and construction began on June 6 by Massaro Corp. with a tentative completion date of August 2015.

Federal Street Hospitality Associates LP, an affiliate of Kratsa, is the developer. The city’s Sports & Exhibition Authority owns the property, and First National Bank, which is headquartered right down the road across from PNC Park, are the financiers.

“We’re delighted to help support yet another piece of the revitalization of the North Shore,” F.N.B. president John Williams said.

The hotel will be 10 stories and feature 135 rooms along amenities such as an indoor swimming pool and market area.

“It is beyond exciting and incredible for us to be building a hotel in this growing destination neighborhood for sports, entertainment and the arts,” Kratsa said.

The Holiday Inn Express will be only the second in the city and first on the North Shore. Massaro Corp. has worked with Kratsa Properties on several projects,  including the SpringHill Suites, which is right across the street from the latest project, at 223 Federal St.

“We’re a family business as are you,” president Joe Massaro, III said during the ceremony. “We’re proud to have worked with you on a handful of hotels.”