The city of Southlake may soon acquire a new hotel on SH 114 after City Council expressed interest during the first reading of a site plan for Westin Hotel at its March 18 meeting.

Paul Barham of Harrell Hospitality Group, LLC presented the proposed site plan and zoning change of the hotel that would be located at 1200 E. SH 114, a space currently owned by Gateway Church. According to city reports, the current zoning on the property was approved by City Council for the development of the Gateway Church campus in 2007, which also allowed for hotel district uses.

Barham said the proposed hotel is a four-star, four-diamond facility with 276 guest rooms and amenities including a full-service restaurant and lounge, meeting and conference center, ballroom, rooftop restaurant and pool. The hotel is seven stories, spans 6.8 acres and includes a three-level parking garage.

"We've been planning [SH]114 frontage for a long time, and in my opinion this particular facility is exactly what we've been hoping for and working towards getting on the highway 114 frontage."

Representatives of Gateway Church were not present at the meeting, but Terrell said he thinks the hotel will be an advantage to the church.

"It would almost act as the convention center and hotel for Gateway Church and all the events they have," he said.

The council unanimously approved the first reading, and there will be a public hearing for the proposed site plan on April 1.