THOMASVILLE, Ga. — Developers who originally showed interest in a Thomasville event center, parking facility and hotel are back in the game.

The developers, who are local, were among two groups interested in the project. The other was John McDonald in North Las Vegas, Nevada. Talks between McDonald and the city ceased recently.

Steve Sykes, Thomasville city manager, has met with the local developer.

“Verbally, they said they are interested,” Sykes told city council members during a recent workshop.

The city paid more than $1 million for the Roses building at South Dawson and Remington Avenue several years ago with plans to establish an event center at the site. A parking facility and hotel were added to the complex.

If discussions continue, the city would develop specifications for the event center and parking facility, with the developer to handle hotel specifications.

“That’s as far as we’ve gotten with the developer,” the city manger told council members.

A Marriott hotel has been mentioned, Sykes said.

The city manager said the builder and contractor should be the same for the event center and parking facility.

An architectural style for the project has not been determined.

City officials want to conduct public meetings to gather citizens’ input on the project.

Sykes suggested enlisting someone to conduct the meetings rather than city officials.

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