THOMASVILLE — The Thomasville Payroll Development Authority (PDA) took two giant steps Monday toward establishment of a Courtyard by Marriott near the heart of downtown Thomasville.

The PDA approved a design agreement and voted to hire an architect to oversee the Marriott project on PDA-owned property at Remington Avenue and South Dawson Street.

Construction will begin in May or June, said Jeremy Emmett, an official of Southern Lodging, the Thomasville company awarded the project by the PDA. The $12 million to $14 million project is “a pretty sizable investment,” Emmett said.

PDA member Rodney Deese asked Emmett if Marriott has seen plans for the Thomasville hotel. 

“They love it,” Emmett responded.

Deese made a motion to approve a design agreement on Southern Lodgings’ Marriott design. PDA Co-chairman Mark NeSmith made the second to the motion. PDA member Stephen Cheney abstained from voting. Other PDA members voted in favor of the agreement.

Thomasville City Attorney Tim Sanders told PDA members the agreement specifies that any changes in materials or design guidelines would require PDA approval.

Deese said the agreement provides, balanced, fair protection.

The design agreement stipulates that the PDA will provide an architect to oversee the Marriott construction process.

Cheney, a banker, said it is not “new ground” to have an architect overseeing a project. Lending institutions hire architects to monitor big projects they finance, Cheney said.

PDA Executive Director Shelley Zorn will begin a search for an architect.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820