Barber, Pinnacle Groups May Move Westin Hotel

Two major players from the Pinnacle Hills corridor in Rogers are coordinating efforts for a possible relocation of the planned Westin hotel.
The original location for the 22-story, $100 million project that’s being developed by the Barber Group and Sage Properties was on the east side of Interstate 540, near the intersection of New Hope Road and Promenade Boulevard.
Brandon Barber, CEO of The Barber Group, said the groups are only “exploring” options in making a move to the west side of I-540 to a 28-acre parcel near the intersection of Champions Drive and Northgate Road.
The undeveloped land is owned by The Pinnacle Group, which, along with Barber, held a private meeting with Champions Drive area residents at the Embassy Suites in Rogers on Nov. 29 to discuss possible plans. It was an effort to give residents accurate information before trying to get plans approved by the City of Rogers.
“We got mixed responses, but we anticipated that,” Barber said. “We now want to get together to digest it all and address as many issues as possible.”
The joint effort is in the best interest of both parties, which want to see the Pinnacle corridor continue booming. If the move is made, Barber said the old spot north of the Promenade Mall would likely be used for more retail.
The Pinnacle Group said the move makes sense, because more hotel rooms are needed near the Hammons Convention Center.
“This is their backyard,” Barber said. “And we definitely share the same vision for what we hope is responsible growth.”