Developer outlines 60‑room 'guest house' at 400 Trinity Drive, seeks nearly $3.9M in county support
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A developer told the Los Alamos County Council on July 28 that a proposed 60‑room guest house at 400 Trinity Drive — the former Hilltop House site — would cost roughly $30 million and target business and leisure travelers, including extended‑stay units for interns and visiting researchers. "Our vision is straightforward: to develop a guest house hotel that serves visitors with a focus on LANL business travelers, as well as leisure visitors," developer Tucker Sharp said during his presentation.
Economic development staff said the county‑side request would combine LID/A grant and loan elements and an MRA grant, totaling about $3,875,000: a $2,000,000 grant, a $1,000,000 0% 10‑year loan, and an $875,000 MRA grant. Staff told council the project team has provided over $700,200 in cash equity and that the balance would come from conventional financing. Staff also noted that county funds would generally be held until a certificate of occupancy and secured in the improved project.
Public commenters asked for stronger assurances before public dollars are committed. Resident Jason Chappelle asked whether the project will "create meaningful permanent jobs" and pressed for measurable public benefits and clawback protections, while Lisa Shin asked how the county will ensure taxpayers are not left liable if the project fails. Council members questioned the number of permanent jobs the project would provide; the developer estimated roughly four full‑time, on‑site positions and said additional jobs would be created through construction and vendor services.
Staff and the developer described several technical and site‑control steps already completed: removal of underground petroleum storage tanks, receipt of no‑further‑action letters from relevant state bureaus, and repayment of an approximately $1.2 million county lien on the property. Staff said the county’s economic development fund currently holds approximately $10–12 million in available balance and that participation agreements would include clawback language and security in the improved project.
The council did not take action on the item at the meeting — the presentation was informational and the project remains in the LID/A and MRA review process — though councilors asked for more detailed cost breakdowns and clearer metrics on jobs, public access to meeting space, and timelines for return on public investment.
Economic development staff said the county‑side request would combine LID/A grant and loan elements and an MRA grant, totaling about $3,875,000: a $2,000,000 grant, a $1,000,000 0% 10‑year loan, and an $875,000 MRA grant. Staff told council the project team has provided over $700,200 in cash equity and that the balance would come from conventional financing. Staff also noted that county funds would generally be held until a certificate of occupancy and secured in the improved project.
Public commenters asked for stronger assurances before public dollars are committed. Resident Jason Chappelle asked whether the project will "create meaningful permanent jobs" and pressed for measurable public benefits and clawback protections, while Lisa Shin asked how the county will ensure taxpayers are not left liable if the project fails. Council members questioned the number of permanent jobs the project would provide; the developer estimated roughly four full‑time, on‑site positions and said additional jobs would be created through construction and vendor services.
Staff and the developer described several technical and site‑control steps already completed: removal of underground petroleum storage tanks, receipt of no‑further‑action letters from relevant state bureaus, and repayment of an approximately $1.2 million county lien on the property. Staff said the county’s economic development fund currently holds approximately $10–12 million in available balance and that participation agreements would include clawback language and security in the improved project.
The council did not take action on the item at the meeting — the presentation was informational and the project remains in the LID/A and MRA review process — though councilors asked for more detailed cost breakdowns and clearer metrics on jobs, public access to meeting space, and timelines for return on public investment.
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