SCHERERVILLE | An existing motel and former bank branch could be demolished as part of plans to construct a new four-story hotel, town officials said.

At a recent Plan Commission study session, developers told the commission the Plaza Motel and the old Fifth Third bank branch, which sit on the west side of U.S. 41, south of U.S. 30, would be torn down for the overall development of those sites, said Bob Volkmann, town manager and plan commissioner.

"In the overall development plan, it would involve the taking down of those two buildings," he said.

It would create between 12,000 and 15,000 square feet of development space. The type of development hasn't been specified, he said.

Vision Hospitality Group wants to build a Hampton Inn & Suites in the area of 1904 U.S. 41.

The hotel, which would have between 90 and 100 rooms, is proposed to be built behind the former Fifth Third bank branch, set back off of U.S. 41, Volkmann said.

The hotel would be visible from U.S. 41, but it would not be a frontage lot, said Ed Malinowski, Schererville director of planning and building.

The developer was seeking input from the Plan Commission before moving forward with the project, Malinowski said.

The town suggested the developer pursue the development and conduct a traffic study as well as examine the topography and elevation of the land, Malinowski said.

The Hampton Inn & Suites is the third hotel proposed to be built in Schererville since May.

In May, JSK Investments proposed building two hotels in the same vicinity. A four-story Hyatt Place and a four-story Country Inn & Suites are proposed to be built near Fountain Park Drive, north of U.S. 30 and west of U.S. 41.