Lewiston neither “won” a Marriott hotel, nor did Auburn lose. By siting its new hotel in downtown Lewiston, Marriott has ensured this development will benefit the economies of both cities.

Downtown was the best, and logical, choice for this hotel. Although Auburn’s proffered candidate, space by its burgeoning retail district around Mt. Auburn Avenue, was convenient to many amenities, the hotel’s construction is infinitely more important to both cities’ current needs – and future growth – in downtown.

There’s little question now that the Hilton Garden Inn, in Great Falls Plaza, is a success. Its presence changed Auburn’s riverside skyline, solidified the plaza’s fortunes and – perhaps most important – proved many skeptics incorrect about the economic feasibility of somewhat upscale lodging in downtown L-A.

Its impact on the community, the cities and the economy is beyond the tax dollars it generates. From the Hilton, the corresponding riverside in Lewiston looks depressed, empty and forlorn. So just like Great Falls, a new hotel development has the possibility to change this outlook.

If situated around Auburn’s retail bonanza, the hotel would have been a cherry upon that area’s economic development sundae. Yet its impact after construction, jobs and taxes would have been limited. Mt. Auburn Avenue and beyond is having little trouble drawing tenants; it’s growing with, or without, that hotel.

Downtown is different. Island Point, the development which will host the new Courtyard by Marriott, was languishing. Its sign, advertising condominiums around the corner, has become weather-beaten and marred by graffiti, which seemed to suck the optimism right out of the project.

Across the way is the hulking Bates Mill No. 5, the quiet giant. Traffic flow on Main Street, the Longley Bridge and Court Street is as constant as the river it crosses. The area has activity, but not life – something the prospect of the new development could change.

The construction will hopefully jump-start work on the neighboring Cowan Mill – future home of the condos. Its presence changes the outlook for Mill No. 5, and widens the prospects for other downtown developments in Lewiston and Auburn.

Though, maybe we’re overly-optimistic. This is a medium-sized, midrange hotel, geared for business travelers, conferences and overnighters. These things, elsewhere in country, are seemingly built every day. Hotel construction doesn’t guarantee increased tourism or visitor activity, only signals its potential.

But the prospect of the new hotel raises many questions and sets the stage for some creative answers. In downtown L-A, this hotel is more than a hotel. It’s an opportunity.

It’s what downtown needs most of all.