News Summary
The construction of a dual-brand Marriott hotel in Shreveport has hit substantial delays due to financial issues and construction complications. Initially projected for completion in June 2025, local officials now anticipate delays could push the timeline to June 2026. Moisture and mold concerns have halted work, raising community frustration over the ongoing setbacks.
Shreveport Faces Significant Delays in Marriott Hotel Development
Shreveport, Louisiana, is grappling with critical delays in the construction of a dual-brand Marriott hotel at 1419 East 70th Street. The development consists of a Springhill and Townehouse Suites alongside a Boston Pizza restaurant. Initially purchased for just over $10 million on April 1, 2020, the project has encountered significant hurdles that are hindering its progress and raising concerns among local officials and residents.
Current Challenges and Financial Issues
As of early 2025, the hotel project has stalled due to numerous complications. The Chief Building Official of Shreveport, Mike Sepulvado, reported moisture and potential mold issues in the building, which halted further construction until testing can be conducted. Although the construction crew successfully completed an electrical inspection, they were ultimately unprepared for the subsequent rough-in inspection. A noticeable lack of activity on the site has drawn criticism from both Sepulvado and local councilman Jim Taliaferro, who have highlighted the project’s stagnation since May 2024 despite Marriott’s signage remaining on display.
Financial difficulties have also plagued D Shiri LLC, the development company behind the project, with active liens totaling $298,030.05 filed against it for unpaid work. Key unpaid claims include $163,020 from All Type Construction, $15,369.75 from Architectural Glass Erectors, and $119,640.30 from Hotel and Resort Interiors. The firm has switched contractors multiple times, indicating instability, with at least four different contractors having worked on the project thus far. Recent efforts to revitalize the project include the introduction of new contractors, Dean Commercial Inc. and Rectitude Construction LLC, who aim to continue as general contractors; however, existing city permits have expired and will require renewal before any further action can take place.
Projected Completion Timeline
During a council meeting in the summer of 2024, a hotel representative informed local officials of ongoing managerial and construction issues, leading to an initial projected completion date of June 2025. Nevertheless, Sepulvado expressed doubts about this timeline, suggesting that a more realistic completion date may be pushed back to June 2026.
Background Context of the Project
The former Wyndham Hotel property, which underwent a purchase and leaseback arrangement, was sold to D Shiri LLC. The company, owned by Amandeep and Jagmohan Dhillon, has an extensive history in hotel operations dating back to 2001. The final design of the development aims for a total of 216 units, featuring 99 extended-stay units equipped with kitchens and 117 upscale rooms provided with mini-fridges and microwaves. Unfortunately, public sentiment regarding the project has begun to sour due to the extensive delays and setbacks, with community members expressing concerns that the unfinished construction site could become an eyesore as delays stretch indefinitely.
Compounding these issues, the property faced a tax sale on June 15, 2023, leading to its temporary acquisition by attorney George H. Mills Jr. However, the original owner, D Shiri LLC, managed to redeem it. The community’s patience is wearing thin as hopes for a swift resolution seem increasingly distant. With the project now significantly behind schedule, local officials and residents alike are left questioning the future of the dual-brand Marriott hotel.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Delays and Financial Issues Threaten Shreveport Hotel Project
Shreveport Progresses on State Office Building Project
Shreveport Moves Forward on New State Office Building Project
Shreveport House Fire Claims Lives of Three Residents
Construction Resumes on Dual-Brand Marriott Hotel in Shreveport
Additional Resources
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate: Hotel Project Hits Snags
- Wikipedia: Shreveport
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate: Why This Hotel Has Never Opened
- Google Search: Shreveport hotel development
- Hotel Business: Hilton Garden Inn Shreveport
- Google Scholar: Shreveport hotel construction
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate: Wyndham Marriott Under Construction
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hotels
- MeetingsNet: Shreveport Area Property
- Google News: Shreveport hotel news
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
