A hotel in Jefferson recently opened after being forced to close last year because of the derecho storm.

Cobblestone Hotel Inn and Suites suffered over $1 million in damage and had been closed since August 7th. General Manager Amber Ricci says the derecho tore the entire roof of the facility, along with all of the vents and rooftop plumbing off, which allowed all of the rainfall to penetrate every floor of the building. She points out that only 18 of the 73 rooms, along with the pool and first floor laundry room were not damaged from the storm.

Ricci was hired as the general manager three days before the derecho went through Jefferson and she recalls the events the staff went through following the storm.

“They had to get the guests out of the hotel. The guests had to find all of their stuff, there was water dripping everywhere. So it was a challenge that day for the staff. But they did it and no one got hurt, so that’s what really matters.”

Ricci notes that a crew gutted the building within 18 days following the storm and by the beginning of January construction started on the complete renovation of the facility. She says the target opening day was March 21st and they actually opened ahead of schedule on March 15th. Ricci explains what she was most looking forward to once they reopened.

“To see the guests and to welcome them back. I think my employees and I are happy to be back working, to see our guests come in. The guests are happy that we are open, we’re getting calls everyday, ‘Oh we’re so happy that you’re open.’ So that’s been exciting and fun.”

Ricci says they are fully staffed with 19 employees and are planning a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the re-opening sometime next month.