The calendar days are running down as builders of the HarborCenter prepare to open the last phase of the project, a new Marriott Hotel.
There was a major sign Monday as workers began to install the letters spelling M-A-R-R-I-O-T-T on top of the complex. They're expecting the first guest September 1. Construction fencing along Main Street will come down this week or next.
Arena Operations V.P. Stan Makowski says only then will co-owner Terry Pegula tour the hotel.
"The projects that I've been involved with, Terry goes in at the very end. He has been in the rinks because the rinks are open and operating," Makowski said.
"He's been in 7-1-6 [Food and Sport], which is open and operating, but didn't go in until they were complete. I'm sure he will be in the hotel but Terry keeps his own calendar, so I'm not sure exactly when he plans to do that."
Kim Pegula has been in and out because she worked on the decoration of the hotel.
Makowski says buildings have installed the furniture and will soon turn the hotel over to the operational management which will train the 100 employees and get everything ready for those first guests.