For several weeks, motorists along I-565 and area residents have noticed a building going up along the freeway across the U.S. Space and Rocket Center and adjacent to Calhoun Community College.

Inquiring minds wanted to know.

Well, the answer is it is a Drury Inn & Suites and is slated to open in a few weeks.

The new hotel is the company’s first property in Huntsville and fifth in the state. In addition to its 187 guest rooms, the property features more than 2,180 square feet of flexible meeting and event space.

The Drury Inn & Suites Huntsville on I-565 is nearing completion.

As the hotel readies for guests, Kirk Taylor has been named its general manager. Taylor has been with Drury Hotels for seven years and was most recently the general manager of the Drury Inn & Suites in Montgomery.

“Kirk is a tremendous general manager with deep experience in the hotel and hospitality industry,” said Chuck Drury, president and CEO of Drury Hotels. “As we plan to open our fifth hotel in the state, we know we have the right leadership and team in place to provide the kind of friendly service, clean rooms and honest value our guests have come to expect.”

The hotel is at I-565 and Old Madison Pike. The location provides easy access to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center and the Huntsville Botanical Garden. The new hotel’s free amenities include Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness center, hot breakfast, 5:30 reception including appetizers and beverages, 24-hour business center and indoor/outdoor pool and whirlpool.

For information, visit www.druryhotels.com.