Construction of the Principle Hotel in downtown Norwich is on schedule. The boutique hotel will feature 61 rooms, a rooftop bar, fitness center, and coffee shop upon completion. All construction work is being done with local contractors and it will bring around 30 jobs to Norwich once running. (Photo by Principle Design Engineering PLLC)

NORWICH – The Principle Hotel Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) is taking shape with only local contractors hired for the job.

The building this boutique hotel is being constructed in, on Broad Street, was formerly occupied by SUNY Morrisville and has been vacant since the mid-2000s.

The Principle Holding Group received a DRI grant and a Restore NY grant to complete this project. They function as reimbursement grants so The Principle Holding Group puts out the money for the project up front and then gets reimbursed upon completion.

Michael O'Reilly managing member of the hotel company, Principle Holding Group, said, “Boutique hotels were developed so that they could fit into existing buildings, and they don't have those prototypical standards. So this is designed to be a part of Norwich. It's inspired by Norwich.”

The hotel is planned to have 61 rooms, a rooftop bar component, coffee shop, and fitness center. On the first floor there will be space for a restaurant that can be developed. The unique nature of being inside an existing building means that each room will be slightly different allowing for unconventional rooms with custom curated furniture and design elements.