(KAIR)--In one year, a new hotel will stand in downtown Atchison.

That was the reason for a groundbreaking ceremony held just prior to the start of the weekend, with local leaders, and others, gathered at the future hotel site, located near 4th and Main Street.

The Holiday Inn Express and Suites Hotel is being constructed through a development agreement between the City of Atchison, and the developer, Atchison Hospitality group. President Bill Michaud spoke prior to the groundbreaking, as did Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce President Jacque Pregont, Atchison City Manager Trey Cocking, and Atchison Mayor Jack Bower.

Bower referenced Atchison's railroad history in saying that the hotel will serve as an engine to help move the city forward. All four speakers cited the expected economic impact of the Hotel on Atchison's economy.

Construction is set to begin next month and is expected to last around 10 months, with the opening of the hotel anticipated to happen in the later summer, or early fall of 2017.

The four-star, 68 room hotel will feature an indoor pool, business center, fitness center, and a small conference room.