RUMFORD — If all goes as planned, groundbreaking will take place next spring for a $3.5-$4 million, three-story, 50-bed flagged hotel with a pool, to be built across from the boat landing near McDonald’s on Route 2.

Herbert Goudreau, 48, and his wife, Heidi, owners of Goudreau’s Retirement Inn & Suites in Waterville and Winslow, have been innkeepers for 22 years.

Herbert Goudreau said that after the completion of a preliminary market study determined the need for a flagged (part of a national franchise) hotel, “Rumford came to us. We fell in love with the area. We met with the selectmen and town manager, who encouraged us.”

The 22-acre parcel on Dragoon Road is under contract. Goudreau said the task now will be getting bids together and working the financials, which he said are going to be tight. Goudreau said prior work had been done on this site, which earlier was considered as a future home for Rumford Hospital, which decided not to move.

“I love that site. There’s room to expand,” Goudreau said. The hotel will be close to snowmobile trails and where many people cross-country ski. Parking will be available for snowmobile trailers and vehicles with boats. The lobby of the hotel will promote recreational opportunities. Plans call for a shuttle available to the Sunday River Ski Area in Newry.

“This will be a hotel you can all be proud of,” he said, adding that whenever possible, they will hire local contractors.

Goudreau said the indoor heated pool can also be used in conjunction with the breakfast room for birthday parties.

Besides the pool, there will be a jacuzzi, a sauna, a fireplace and a meeting space large enough for 100 to 200 people that can also serve as a ballroom.

There are also plans for a health club and fitness center.

Goudreau said every room will have a refrigerator and a microwave. The hotel will provide a continental breakfast.

He said only a portion of the parcel close to the road would be used for the hotel. Goudreau said he will be working to attract a restaurant to use part of this land.

Goudreau will also be looking to employ local people for his hotel. In addition to local contractors, there will be 15 positions to start inside the hotel. They include bookkeeping, management, housekeeping, maintenance, groundskeeping and event planning.

As for the name of the hotel, Goudreau said that has yet to be determined. “It will be whatever franchise we choose.”

Goudreau said this would be Phase I of his business here. “Maybe in two or three years, we can add another 50 rooms.”

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