By Matt Youngfrau
MONTICELLO — May 22, 2001 – During the heyday of the Catskills resorts, one of the most famous was the Concord. But soon, the Concord will be no more.
Concord developer Louis Cappelli announced last week that his company had signed an agreement with Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide to build and develop the hotel, to be renamed the Westin Turnberry Golf and Resort Spa.
The Starwood chain is based in Westchester and is one of the largest hotel chains in the world, operating about 700 hotels and resorts in 70 countries, including the Sheraton chain.
The resort will reportedly be modeled after the Turnberry hotel in Scotland and will likely have about 500 rooms, 30 lakefront villas, and several restaurants and lounges. Development officials have said they will still focus on the two famous golf courses, the Monster and the International, and both will be upgraded.
What about the controversial convention center? Cappelli had asked the Sullivan County Legislature to aid in financing the $22.5 million convention center, but legislators were concerned about the financial impact on the county. Some were also worried that Cappelli might yank the whole project if his demands were not met.
However, officials from Cappelli Associates have recently stated that they will build a convention center whether or not the county finances it.
Cappelli is set to meet with county officials in June, with a groundbreaking planned in August (as opposed to the “official” one which occurred late last year). The opening date is targeted for spring of 2004.