YAKIMA -- Developers for a new hotel in downtown Yakima have received a city building permit.

Allpro, a development firm in Richland, wants to construct a five-story, 114-room Holiday Inn at the former La Bodega Yakimex grocery store at 802 E. Yakima Ave.

Allpro, which is doing business here as Yakima Hospitality LLC, have already started some work on the property, including demolishing the building on site, but a building permit will also allow them to move fully forward on the project, said Bill Cook, director of the city of Yakima’s Community and Economic Development Department.

Cook said he is eager for the hotel to be constructed.

“These projects are very important for the economy and jobs in the community,” he said.

-- Mai Hoang