With its 16 rooms, the Plaza Motel has been the only place for people to stay in Moundsville for more than 25 years, but after some surprising news, that's about to change.

"Something we've been wanting for a long time is a top rate hotel in Moundsville and we're going to get it," said 2nd Ward Councilman David Wood.

The construction in between the Walmart and the Buffalo Wild Wings off of Route 2 is for a brand new Sleep Inn, one that will hold 72 rooms.

City officials like Wood said the construction is a welcome sight. He said the area needs the hotel to keep people who are visiting in town and to keep up with the demand created by gas drilling companies.

Regardless of why it was built, city leaders say this is a big boost for the city and even though it was unexpected it was at the top of their list.

Wood said construction on the hotel should be completed in eight months, which means it will open its doors sometime next spring.