Marble Falls approves permit for new hotel near FM 2147 and U.S. 281 intersection
This image shows the rough layout of where a new, proposed hotel would like near the U.S. 281-FM 2147 intersection. The hotel would rise about 30 feet higher than the level of the intersection. Staff photo by Dakota Morrissiey
Marble Falls City Council OK’d a conditional use permit on Tuesday, Jan. 20, for a new four-story, 116-room Marriott hotel on Old River Road, near the FM 2147 and U.S. 281 intersection on the south side of town. The 4-1 vote for approval came despite some concerns about the structure’s potential to block scenic views of Lake Marble Falls, the city, and the U.S. 281 bridge.
The conditional use permit greenlights the developer, Houston-based SLTX Capital, to move forward with creating designs that will then be presented to City Council to acquire a building permit at a later date. Plans for the hotel were recommended for approval by city staff and the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission as long as proper safety and travel upgrades are made to Old River Road and its connection to U.S. 281.
The hotel would lie on roughly 3.85 acres northwest of the U.S. 281-FM 2147 intersection, but only be accessible via Old River Road.
According to Marble Falls Development Services Director Scarlet Moreno, this project has been in the works since 2022, with the developer receiving original approval in June of that year. That initial agreement stipulated that ground be broken on the project within two years, but that never happened. After prolonged negotiations between the developer and Marriott, terms were agreed upon and new plans were put forth for approval, which led to the council’s decision on Tuesday.
The decision to approve the conditional use permit came after some deliberation between council members, who acknowledged that the project would likely impede the iconic view of Marble Falls as you drive northbound on U.S. 281 towards town.
“One of the cool things about Marble Falls, people say all the time when they come here, is when you come down that hill and you just look down over this cool little town,” Mayor John Packer said. “That’s going to block a lot of the downtown view and certain angles.”
“Some things are not worth sacrificing the unique beauty of our sweet town,” she said.
Based on the current plans for the hotel, it would rise about 30 feet higher than the U.S. 281-FM 2147 intersection.
At the meeting, Mayor Packer asked SLTX Capital partner Navid Karedia if it was possible to lower the profile of the building.
“We feel very confident that this is the best site plan that we can come up with to meet city standards,” Karedia said.
The hotel will stand at 59 feet tall, which is just under the city’s 60-foot height restriction for the transitional downtown district the property is zoned for. While a hotel requires council approval per the district’s rules, any structure built on the property can be up to 60 feet tall under current city regulations.
There is not yet a firm timeline on the project, but a building permit with the city is still required before work begins.
Council deliberations
While he ultimately voted in favor of the conditional use permit, Mayor Packer acknowledged that some constituents could be frustrated by its impact on the city skyline.
“I guess I’m on the fence about it,” he said. “I just know we’re going to get all kinds of people really upset.”
Packer pointed to public backlash about obstructed views that occurred when a La Quinta Inn was built in 2008, at 501 FM 2147, just a few hundred feet away from the proposed site of the Marriott.
“It concerns me as well,” said Place 3 Councilor Lauren Haltom.
When it came down to the vote, Mayor Packer, Place 1 Councilor Griff Morris, Place 2 Councilor Dee Haddock, and Place 6 Councilor Craig Magerkurth voted in favor of issuing the conditional use permit.
Place 3 Councilor Haltom voted against it.
Place 4 Councilor Karlee Hubble and Place 5 Councilor Richard Westerman were absent from the meeting.
In a written quote to DailyTrib, Haltom sent the following on why she voted against the hotel’s permit.
“Some things are not worth sacrificing the unique beauty of our sweet town,” she said.
After the meeting, Mayor Packer told DailyTrib that it was within the right of the council to deny the approval, but that the whims of the market were not theirs to decide.
“It’s really not up to us to decide how many hotels are in Marble Falls, it’s up to the market,” he said. “And if the market is saying they need more hotels then that’s a market thing.”
He did further acknowledge the possible public concern about the project.
“As far as this particular hotel, the concern about when you come over the hill and you see the view of town, is a concern,” he said. “I know a lot of residents will be concerned with that. I feel like yeah, it’ll block some of the view, but hopefully not as bad as some people think.”
7 thoughts on “Marble Falls approves permit for new hotel near FM 2147 and U.S. 281 intersection”
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Well, Mr. Packer–if you were sitting on the fence, why didn’t you fall off on the “no” side?
Great location, and people can walk downtown to shops and bars.
I am dismayed by this vote. Blocking the iconic view of Marble Falls is a step into the wrong future. You just put us on the map like every other city. Stop lights and buildings along the highway, that’s it. The charm and inviting feeling of people driving through currently experience will vanish.
We’ve stayed at many Residence Inn that respected the area as single or 2 story elevations to preserve the town ambiance. This is a short sighted and poorly chosen decision by the council. If there is a way to revoke this, it should be done.
Bad idea to give away the views that cannot be reobtained….ever.
The city will not receive the tax compensation to overcome to loss of such views.
“Whims of the market are not theirs to decide”? Explain to me where the data is that even proves the market demands more hotels. Banks, banks, banks on every corner and another hotel blocking our iconic Lake. I’m a daily commuter. When I come over that ridge and see the Lake I beam with pride. So glad to have another day in Marble Falls. But it’s NOT Marble Falls anymore. Our small town is dissolving right in front of our eyes. So sad.
I’d rather have the trees and view.
Oh I bet the view of the other hotels will be amazing! I’m sure people will just flock to Marble Falls to look at all the hotels..really gives it that homey vibe. I love too that you’re just praying it doesn’t look too bad or block too much of the iconic view. Great job buddy!