New 111-room extended-stay hotel brings jobs, modern amenities, and new momentum to northern Schuylkill County
Onvo officially cut the ribbon Thursday afternoon on its newest hospitality project—the 111-room TownePlace Suites by Marriott, located at the entrance to Highridge Industrial Park. The extended-stay hotel marks Onvo’s seventh hotel development and brings 30 new jobs and a major new lodging option for business and leisure travelers in Schuylkill County.
Local officials, business leaders, and community members packed the hotel lobby to celebrate what many described as a milestone moment for northern Schuylkill County’s continued economic growth.
A Modern Hotel Designed for Today’s Traveler
The newly opened hotel offers all-suite accommodations featuring full in-room kitchens, high-speed internet, pet-friendly rooms, and a lineup of guest amenities including:
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Complimentary hot breakfast buffet
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Indoor pool
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24-hour fitness center
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In-A-Pinch® market
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Outdoor patio with fire pit and grill
Its location—just off I-81 at Exit 119 and steps from the Onvo Travel Plaza—places guests minutes from the Yuengling Brewery, local wedding venues, and major employers within Highridge Industrial Park.
“This project started as a vision years ago,” said Andy Aulakh, Onvo’s Chief Business Development Officer and co-founder, speaking alongside his brother and business partner Sunny Singh. “We wanted to provide travelers and workers in this area with much-needed amenities—fuel, food, and an excellent place to stay. Today marks the fulfillment of that vision.”
Officials from the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce, Schuylkill Economic Development Corporation (SEDCO), state agencies, and local municipalities praised the project for its role in strengthening the county’s business infrastructure and tourism offerings.
Robert S. Carl, President/CEO of the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce, opened the ceremony, calling the hotel “another exciting milestone in the continued growth and investment within our region.”
“This beautiful property brings comfort, convenience, and modern hospitality right here to Highridge,” Carl said. “It’s a true testament to the vision and community partnership that continue to drive our region forward.”
Mark Minnig, Economic Development Manager for SEDCO, noted that the project is the result of years of groundwork and collaboration.
“This site was once part of a 36-acre parcel owned by SEDCO. With support from state redevelopment programs, we made it pad-ready for growth,” Minn said. “The addition of TownePlace Suites brings a much-needed lodging option to the park and reinforces Highridge as a premier location for investment.”
State Rep. Joanne Stehr and Sen. David Argall’s office, represented by Seth Hubler, celebrated the project as a sign of continued momentum for the region.
“Every time I drove by, I saw progress,” Hubler said. “This hotel was truly needed and will serve this community well.”
Schuylkill County Commissioners Larry Padora Jr. and Barron “Boots” Hetherington emphasized how the hotel supports economic development, industry recruitment, and tourism.
“We have a vision to expand this end of the county,” Padora said. “Now when visitors fly into our airport or come for business, they have this beautiful place to stay.”
Hetherington added, “People come to Yuengling or to events, but until now, there wasn’t always a place to stay. With this hotel, tourism and business can grow together.”
During the ceremony, Onvo also presented two community donations:
- $2,500 to AMVETS to support a planned veterans memorial
- $2,500 to Cass Township in appreciation for its support during development
A representative from Marriott International, Brandon Booker, congratulated the Onvo team.
“You are a proud franchisee raising the bar with hotels like this,” Booker said. “We think very highly of Andy and his continued efforts to grow within Marriott’s pipeline.”
Following remarks, officials joined the Onvo and hotel leadership team for the official ribbon cutting. Attendees were then invited to tour the new facility and enjoy food provided by Vito’s Coal-Fired Restaurant, which catered the event.
As the ceremony concluded, Carl summed up the crowd’s enthusiasm:
“This hotel is a gift to Schuylkill County—a needed addition that will bring opportunity, visitors, and continued growth. It truly shows that Schuylkill County is open for business.”
