BUTLER TWP — Construction on the township's second new hotel is under way.

While work began last week on the new Hampton Inn hotel, a ceremonial groundbreaking was held Thursday inside the township municipal building due to the weather.

Several government and business leaders attended the ceremony led by Horizon Properties Group of Canonsburg, the developer of the hotel being built at 610 Butler Crossing behind Mikan Motors.

“Horizon always seems to have groundbreakings on the coldest days of the year,” said J.P. Morgan, the project manager with the firm.

The 80-room, five story hotel is expected to open January 2015, which is within months of the Holiday Inn Express being constructed along North Duffy Road.

While the two hotels will be close to one another, Morgan said the location is perfect for his group.

“To be surrounded by Butler Crossing and Butler Commons, this was the ideal site for the Hampton Inn,” he said. “We are very grateful to be surrounded by such great amenities.”

The township was equally happy to welcome the hotel.

“I'm thrilled the Hampton Inn chose Butler Township for its site,” township Commissioner Joe Hasychak said. “It's a great venue and a great addition to the township.”

Hasychak said the township is working to maintain controlled growth as it attracts more businesses.

“We want the right people in the right places,” he said. “The Hampton Inn is in the right place.”

The hotel will offer guests a complimentary hot breakfast and free Wi-Fi. It also will feature Hampton Inn's “Perfect Mix Lobby,” which offers a variety of seating for both leisure and business travelers as an extension of the guest room.

Butler County Commissioner Bill McCarrier said he usually stays at a Hampton Inn when traveling.

“I'm actually hoping to get credit on my loyalty card for this,” he joked.

McCarrier agreed that the hotel fits the county's needs.

“We're a little fussy on who we let in,” he said. “We want businesses with quality. Hampton Inn is quality.”

Morgan said the hotel will have 20 to 25 jobs. He added Hampton Inn hires local employees to maintain the distinct feel of each area.

Horizon Properties, which also will manage the hotel once completed, has built five Hampton Inn hotels in the region and still manages four of them.

The other sites are in Blairsville, Bridgeville, and Waynesburg.

Gina Johnston, the vice president of Horizon Hospitality, said the company also manages two Cambria Suites hotels in Pittsburgh and Washington County.

Johnston said the company builds a variety of buildings, but primarily deals with class A office space.

The Snavely Building Co. of Cleveland is the contractor for the project.

Jack Cohen, the president of the Butler County Tourism and Convention Bureau, said the two hotels are both needed in the county.

“This gives us 80 more rooms and another great name we can use to go after groups and events,” he said. “And it's adding 25 more jobs into an area that can certainly use them.”