The Fort Pierce City Commission meeting on June 2, 2025, focused on the review and approval of a major site plan for a new hotel development. The proposed project, led by property owner Mahul Patel and representative PHMIWS Fort Pierce, aims to construct a four-story, 122-room WoodSpring Suites Hotel at 2480 South Jenkins Road. The hotel will encompass approximately 48,100 square feet and include various site improvements.

The site, currently vacant, was previously approved for subdivision, allowing for potential future development of an additional hotel on an adjacent outparcel. The area is primarily designated for commercial use, although it is surrounded by some single-family homes. The proposed hotel will feature extended-stay suites, each under 500 square feet, equipped with in-room kitchens and workspace.

During the meeting, city staff presented the site plan, highlighting the proposed landscaping, which includes native trees and shrubs, and architectural enhancements to improve the streetscape along South Jenkins Road. The design incorporates contemporary elements and materials, aiming to align with current trends in hospitality.

The Planning Board had previously voted unanimously to recommend approval of the site plan, with an amendment to include a minimum fence height of eight feet to buffer residential areas from the hotel. The commission discussed various conditions for approval, including requirements for landscape maintenance, tree mitigation, and the installation of a dumpster enclosure that meets current standards.

Concerns were raised regarding parking ratios, as the hotel will have 35 parking spaces for 122 suites. However, city staff confirmed that this meets the city’s parking requirements. The commission expressed support for the project, recognizing its potential to enhance the local streetscape and contribute to the area’s development.

The commission is expected to vote on the site plan in the coming weeks, with the recommendation from staff to approve the project under the outlined conditions.