Indian River County is currently reviewing a proposal for the construction of a Home2 Suites Hotel on the picturesque Indian River Lagoon. The hotel, boasting 98 rooms across three stories, has been submitted by an applicant who has previously presented several similar projects in the area.
The proposed location for the county project is 11360 S. Indian River Drive, situated just outside the City of Sebastian. However, county officials emphasize that the applicant is still in the early stages of the development review process.
Andrew Sobczak, the Interim Community Development Director of Indian River County, provided insights into the project, stating, “The current submittal is for a Home2 Suites, a three-story hotel. Staff will offer their initial comments on the submittal during a Technical Review Committee (TRC) meeting scheduled for May 10, 2023. However, it is important to note that this is still in the early phases of the development review process,” Sobczak told Sebastian Daily.
Concerns from Sebastian residents have arisen regarding the potential impact of the project on the Indian River Lagoon and the anticipated increase in traffic congestion along Indian River Drive.
Terry McGinn, a Sebastian resident, voiced concerns about the hotel’s footprint, stating, “It will cover almost all the existing ground on the 2.7 acres. All legacy oaks and palms will be removed. A note by the swimming pool (blueprints) indicates drainage directly into the lagoon.”
If approved by county staff, the project will proceed without requiring input from city residents. Sewer infrastructure is already available in the vicinity, as evidenced by the recent switch from septic systems to sewer at Dignity Village, located just north of the proposed hotel site.
In a previous pre-application conference on April 4, 2022, the applicant had presented the Sebastian Eco Lodges project, which proposed the construction of 18 units with 80 rooms for short-term and overnight rentals on the same site. However, the request was subsequently withdrawn, leading to the formulation of the current Home2 Suites proposal.
Several other hotels already occupy locations directly adjacent to the Indian River Lagoon, including Sportsman’s Lodge, Captain Hirams Resort, and townhomes with full kitchens at the Sebastian Saltwater Marina. The Davis House and Oyster Pointe are also situated on the west side of Indian River Drive.
Home2 Suites, an establishment owned by Hilton, specializes in pet-friendly, short-term, and extended-stay accommodations.
The hotel chain offers complimentary breakfast, in-suite kitchens, and other amenities tailored for extended stays. Presently, there are 594 Home2 Suites locations across the United States as of 2023.
