Stonington Planning Commission Approves Hotel Expansion Proposal

STONINGTON, CT — The Whaler's Inn's revised plans to expand were approved at a recent Planning & Zoning Commission meeting. The commission unanimously approved Whalers Inn RE LLC's bid for waivers and a special permit for the project at a Dec. 19 meeting, according to draft minutes of the meeting.

The company's proposal included converting the former Odd Fellows building into hotel suites with an office and lobby. Originally, this was supposed to be five suites, but new plans call for six.

Attorney Bill Sweeney reported to the commission that the structural condition of the building was more compromised than originally believed.

One modification of the plans includes reconfiguring the building's fourth floor from one large suite into two. Another modification converts the remaining retail space on the first floor into a lobby/office/conference room for hotel guests.

Other modifications include building a 399-square-foot addition to the first floor to house trash/recycling storage.

The plan is to open the building this year, according to the meeting minutes.

Whalers Inn RE LLC purchased the Odd Fellows Building at 11 Cottrell St. for $2.65 million in 2020, The Day reported. The company also bought the Mystical Toys Building at 4 E. Main St. for $1.5 million in August 2021. No plans have been announced for that lot.