There is a stretch of Susquehanna River waterfront on the northern end of Havre de Grace that sits waiting for something big.

The area that spans the shoreline from Jean S. Roberts Memorial Park to the Havre de Grace Marina has potential.

It is often referred to as the Gilbert Oil site—having served as the location for the local oil company for decades.

The Paresi Design Studio's 1997 study proposed the site be used for a hotel and conference center.

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This is the seventh post in a series of articles refreshing the visions of the Paresi Design Studio's "Urban Design and Waterfront Study," which was completed in February 1997.

The study called for a hotel and conference center atop a parking structure. The project would include a marina and waterfront promenade, as well—just like the other two hotel proposals in the study.

The proposed hotel called for 150 to 300 rooms, plus a destination restaurant or cafe.

Another structure was proposed across Water Street, including more parking and residential properties.

Streetscape improvements to Water Street were also included in the design.

The properties on either side of Water Street are privately-owned, providing hurdles to be cleared before such a project could be carried out.

TELL US: Do you think a hotel/conference center would work on the "Gilbert Oil site" on Water Street? Is there a better use for the property? Leave a comment.