The announcement also confirmed plans to purchase the former Ramada Inn property on Center Street, adding 60 additional guest rooms to the original 30-room hotel project currently under construction inside the historic Miners Bank building.
The two properties will be combined into a single hospitality complex, connected by an elevated enclosed bridge just off Progress Avenue.
From Rosalia to The Miners 1928 Hotel
Originally proposed as the Rosalia Hotel project, the development has now been rebranded as The Miners 1928 Hotel, where William J. Metzinger of Orwigsburg, President of Metz Hospitality LLC says pays tribute to the historic Miners Bank building and the year it was constructed.“The name of the hotel pays tribute to the historic Miners Bank building and the year it was built, 1928, and it pays homage to what miners and mining meant to our area,” said Metzinger.
Metzinger, who has repurposed more than 15 historic and aging buildings into multifamily residences throughout Schuylkill County, said the full project investment across both properties is expected to exceed $10 million, with completion targeted for January 2027.
What the 90-Room Complex Will Include
Once complete, The Miners 1928 Hotel will feature:- 90 total guest rooms
- Two wedding and event venues (each exceeding 5,000 square feet)
- A 5,500-square-foot grand venue inside the former bank hall
- 40-foot ceilings, marble finishes, and herringbone oak flooring
- A 2,500-square-foot lobby and lounge area
- A custom bar built into the former bank lobby, incorporating repurposed teller stations and original marble elements
- A 3,000-square-foot sports bar and restaurant concept
- An in-vault tasting room
- Six meeting rooms
- Two commercial kitchens
- Continental breakfast area
- Fitness center
- Game room
Following acquisition of the former Ramada property (now referred to as the Pottsville Hotel), Metzinger plans a complete renovation of the existing 60 guest rooms, including fully modernized interiors, refreshed hallways and common areas, and updated meeting spaces.
Future Spa Expansion Planned
Plans also call for a full-service spa within the former 4,500-square-foot Miners Bank parking garage, offering salon and nail services. Construction for the spa is anticipated to begin in late 2027 or early 2028.Leadership Team Announced
Metzinger is assembling an experienced hospitality team to oversee operations.Bill Kao, of the Lehigh Valley, will serve as General Manager. Kao brings more than 25 years of experience managing major hotel brands.
Lianne Russell, of Orwigsburg, will serve as Sales Director, bringing 15 years of sales and marketing leadership experience.
Additional staff positions are expected to be filled in the coming weeks.
Local Leaders Applaud Expansion
State and local officials praised the project as a major boost for downtown Pottsville and Schuylkill County.David Argall called the project “a giant boost for Pottsville and our entire region,” encouraging other entrepreneurs to follow suit.
“This project is about momentum and long-term vision,” said Tom Smith. “The redevelopment of the former Ramada site strengthens our tax base, creates jobs, and continues the positive trajectory we’re building in Pottsville.”
Chris Kelly, President of PADCO, described the acquisition as “a strong vote of confidence in downtown Pottsville,” noting the addition of lodging and restaurant space will support tourism and downtown businesses.
Robert S. Carl Jr., President and CEO of the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce, said the project fills a longstanding hospitality gap in southern Schuylkill County and will significantly enhance business and tourism dynamics throughout the region.
A Longstanding Need for Downtown Lodging
For years, business leaders and event organizers have cited limited downtown lodging as a barrier to growth. The Miners 1928 Hotel complex is expected to address that need, providing accommodations for weddings, corporate events, tourism traffic, and regional gatherings - all within walking distance of downtown attractions.Why the Name Change?
According to Metzinger, the rebranding of the project reflects a significant shift in both scope and vision.
Originally introduced as a smaller boutique concept, the hotel was planned to feature 30 guest rooms within the historic Miners Bank building. However, as interest grew - particularly from couples and event planners seeking wedding and reception space in downtown Pottsville - it became clear that the initial footprint would not be large enough to meet demand.
“While this started as a small, boutique hotel, it quickly became clear that the 30 rooms available at the Miners Bank building would not be sufficient to meet the demand for the many weddings and events looking to come to Pottsville,” Metzinger said.
The expansion to include the former Ramada property allows the project to grow into a full 90-room hospitality complex, offering significantly more lodging and event capacity.
The project began with the acquisition of the Miners Bank building in June 2025, which remains owned by Metz Properties. That investment enabled the company to qualify for grant funding covering approximately 8% of the total project cost. The remaining balance has been funded through private investment by Metz Properties.
Over the past year, the project has also undergone management changes. As plans evolved and the opportunity arose to elevate the quality of renovations at the Miners Bank building - while simultaneously expanding to acquire the Ramada property - Metzinger said the scale of the project required a more seasoned hospitality leadership team.
With 90 rooms, multiple venue spaces, a bar, restaurant, and expanded amenities, Metzinger said experienced management was essential to give the development its best opportunity for long-term success - not only for investors, but for the City of Pottsville and the region as a whole.
