NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Norfolk City Council voted 7-1 Tuesday to move ahead with the plans to build a

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Norfolk City Council voted 7-1 Tuesday to move ahead with the plans to build a multi-million dollar hotel and conference center downtown.  The hotel and conference center would be built through a public-private partnership between the city and Gold Key/PHR Hotels at the corner of Main Street and Granby Street. The group says they want to develop a unique urban hotel and restaurant complex.
Document: Read the city's presentation on the facility here According to the City of Norfolk, the construction cost would be a total of $126 million. Divided up, it would be a $64 million private investment and a $88.5 million public investment.
However, the city said no new money would be needed because it is already set aside.      The luxury hotel would have 300 rooms, a large conference center, and a 600 space parking garage. The city says the hotel would create $2 million a year in tax money and 500 jobs. The developer is looking to make the hotel a Hilton or Hyatt.
tom cruise and nicole kidman A public hearing Tuesday lasted for almost two hours and 25 speakers signed up to talk about the project. tom cruise and nicole kidman Those against it argued the city should tom cruise and nicole kidman use the money in other ways like repairing schools and roads.