Feb. 23, 2026
— Jeff Ward, Lehigh Valley News Briefs
Pottsville will have a new hotel next year, according to a statement from the Schuylkill County Chamber of Commerce.
Metz Properties proposes The Miners 1928 Hotel on the site of the Pottsville Hotel and an adjacent property. The 1928 in the name is for the year the Miners Bank building was constructed.
The plan is for 30 guest rooms in the old Miners Bank, which will be connected to the rest of the hotel by an enclosed walking bridge. The 60 rooms at the Pottsville Hotel will be renovated.
More than $10 million will be spent on the project, according to the statement.
“The name of the hotel pays tribute to the historic Miners Bank building and the year it was built, 1928, and it plus pay homage to what miners and mining meant to our area,” William J. Metzinger of Metz Properties said.
As the grandson of a Pottsville coal miner, I’ll check it out as soon as possible.
Here is the statement from the Chamber of Commerce:
Metz Properties LLC and Metz Hospitality LLC Announce Development of THE MINERS 1928 HOTEL
$10 million hospitality complex will feature 90 guest rooms, sports bar, 5,000-sq.-foot event space
POTTSVILLE, February 19th, 2026 — Metz Properties LLC and Metz Hospitality LLC announced today the development of The Miners 1928 Hotel in downtown Pottsville.
The completed development will feature a total of 90 guest rooms, an expansive lobby area, a sports bar and at least two other bar spaces, an in-vault tasting room, and two wedding and event venues each exceeding 5,000 square feet. Additional amenities will include six meeting rooms, two commercial kitchens, a continental breakfast area, fitness center, game room, and numerous other guest-focused features. The hotel will also have a custom bar located in the former bank lobby, incorporating repurposed teller stations and original marble elements.
William J. Metzinger of Orwigsburg, President of Metz Hospitality LLC, anticipates completion of The Miners 1928 Hotel complex by January 2027, with total investment across both properties expected to exceed $10 million. Metzinger, who businesses have successfully repurposed more than 15 historic and aging buildings into multifamily residences throughout Schuylkill County, believes this investment into downtown Pottsville will spark new opportunities for existing business owners, attract new entrepreneurs, and further enhance the community for residents and visitors alike.
“The name of the hotel pays tribute to the historic Miners Bank building and the year it was built, 1928, and it plus pay homage to what miners and mining meant to our area,” Metzinger said.
Metzinger expects acquisition of the Pottsville Hotel (formerly the Ramada Inn) on Center Street to be completed by late spring, at which point the property will be connected to the property formerly proposed at the Rosalia Hotel to form The Miners 1928 Hotel. Following the purchase of the Pottsville Hotel, construction will begin on a complete renovation of the existing 60 guest rooms. Plans include fully modernized rooms and furnishings, redesigned hallways, refreshed common areas, and updated meeting and event spaces. The project will also feature an entirely new concept for the property’s 3,000-square-foot bar and restaurant, complete with its own commercial kitchen.
The first phase of the project began in the summer of 2025 within the former Miners Bank building and is scheduled for completion in May of this year. It will introduce 30 guest rooms along with a 5,500-square-foot venue located in the former bank hall, showcasing 40-foot ceilings, marble finishes, and herringbone oak flooring. The venue will connect directly to a 2,500-square-foot lobby and lounge area featuring tin-lined barrel ceilings and terrazzo flooring.
Future expansion of The Miners 1928 Hotel will include a full-service spa offering a wide range of treatments, along with salon and nail services. Construction for the spa is anticipated to begin in late 2027 or early 2028 within the former Miners Bank 4,500-square-foot parking garage, further elevating the property as a premier hospitality destination in the region.
The two buildings will ultimately be connected just off Progress Avenue by an elevated enclosed bridge, allowing guests convenient access between properties without needing to step outdoors. Metzinger is currently assembling an experienced leadership team to guide hotel operations. Bill Kao, of the Lehigh Valley, will serve as General Manager, overseeing all operations, staff, and business divisions. Kao brings over 25 years of experience as General Manager for several major hotel brands. Lianne Russell, of Orwigsburg, will take on the role of Sales Director after 15 years leading sales and marketing efforts for a company in Allentown. Additional management positions and staff roles will be filled in the coming weeks to ensure an exceptional experience from opening day for all hotel guests, including the many weddings already being planned at The Miners 1928 Hotel.
Senator David Argall’s thoughts on the expansion, “Wow. When Bill first acquired this extraordinarily beautiful Miners Bank Building, many of us encouraged him to consider expansion plans. With this new hotel complex, Bill and his team, along with Pottsville’s new leadership, are delivering a giant boost for Pottsville and our entire region. A hotel with its roots in 1928, just down the street from a world-famous 1829 brewery, two blocks away from one of our largest energy producers… To build on this momentum, I have to ask our other entrepreneurs, large and small — who’s next? We want to hear from you,” said Senator David Argall.
“This project is about momentum and long-term vision,” said Mayor Tom Smith. “The redevelopment of the former Ramada site strengthens our tax base, creates jobs, and continues the positive trajectory we’re building in Pottsville. Metz Properties has demonstrated a clear commitment to our city, and this investment reflects growing confidence in our direction and the opportunities that lie ahead.”
“Metz Properties’ acquisition of the former Ramada Hotel is a strong vote of confidence in downtown Pottsville and its future,” said Chris Kelly, President of PADCO. “The renovation will bring much-needed lodging, new restaurant space, and help support overnight stays that benefit our tourism industry and downtown businesses. We’re excited to see continued private investment driving momentum in the heart of our city.”
Robert S. Carl, Jr., President and CEO of the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce, stated: “The Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce, representing 800 businesses and nonprofits in the greater Schuylkill County region and surrounding counties, applauds Metz Properties LLC and Metz Hospitality LLC’s recent announcement of The Miners 1928 Hotel and all that is included in this greatly expanded downtown development project in Pottsville, PA. The $10 million hospitality complex, featuring a total of 90 guest rooms and 5,000 sq. ft. of event space, led by an experienced hospitality leadership team, meets a longstanding community economic development goal to provide business and community hospitality services for southern Schuylkill County.
This announcement, and its forthcoming realization, provides a solution to a tremendous hospitality service gap and delivers hotel and related services so greatly needed for southern Schuylkill County. These services will change the dynamics of business and personal travel to Schuylkill County for chamber members, community family gatherings, and celebrations, and will significantly enhance the region’s tourism landscape. The Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce — including our board of directors, staff, and membership — applauds and supports this expanded initiative by Bill Metzinger and his growing team and what it means for the advancement of hospitality services in our area.
We support Metz Properties LLC and Metz Hospitality LLC for this significant investment and expanded development and for this historic step in the continued revitalization of downtown Pottsville, PA, in Schuylkill County.”
For additional updates and project milestones, visit www.theminershotel1928.com.
Follow along as we continue the transformation and prepare for our grand opening:
Facebook: The Miners 1928 Hotel
Instagram: @theminers1928hotel
TikTok: @theminers1928hotel
Stay connected for renovation progress, event announcements, booking details, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content as we bring this historic property back to life.
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