APACHE JUNCTION, Ariz. — The City of Apache Junction has spent nearly $3 million on purchasing land where the landmark Grand Hotel used to attract high-profile guests.
The 10 acres recently purchased by the city on the northwest corner of North Apache Trail and West Apache Trail will be used to spur economic development for Apache Junction's downtown district.
“This is a monumental day for the City of Apache Junction as this marks the first time the city has purchased land to assist with commercial development in the downtown district,” Economic Development Director Patrick Ainsworth said in a statement.
The land is the site where the Grand Hotel operated for decades before closing its doors in the 2000s. The hotel was visited by famous guests like Elvis Presley, Robert DeNiro, John Wayne and Ronald Reagan, according to the East Valley Tribune.
The city bought the property with money out of its general fund. Apache Junction officials will now attempt to attract businesses to develop the area.
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