ONIX Group and the Big Fish Restaurant Group announced a partnership yesterday to develop the first hotel on Wilmington’s Riverwalk, the 1.3-mile path that provides access to the Shipyard Shops and the Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park.
The seven-story hotel will contain 122 rooms and feature views of the Wilmington skyline, Christina River, and the Blue Rocks Stadium. Construction is set to begin this summer and finish one year later.
ONIX Group, based in Kennett Square, is development company with a diverse portfolio. The company has worked on long-term care, addiction recovery, and assisted living facilities. It has also developed hotels and restaurants.
Big Fish Restaurant Group owns several restaurants in Rehobeth Beach and Wilmington, including Big Fish Grill, Trolley Square Oyster House, and Bella Coast.
Megan McGlinchey, executive director of the Riverfront Development Corporation, said she anticipates the hotel will bring more corporate and leisure business into Wilmington.
The project will cost about $23 million and create 60 permanent jobs, in addition to 175 construction jobs.
