Developer behind failed Lagoona Bay project now wants to build “English countryside” inn and spa in Cornelius

CORNELIUS, N.C. – Neighbors in Cornelius are pushing back against a developer’s plan for an “English countryside” inn and spa. Jake Palillo wants to build the 45-room hotel on six acres off Sam Furr Road. The development would also include rental cottages.

More than a dozen neighbors spoke out against the project at Monday night’s town board meeting. Davidson resident Doreen Anding said, “This six acre plot of land is not the right place for a hotel. And to classify it as an English cottage, I’m from England and I don’t think it’s an English cottage actually.”

You might remember, Palillo is the same developer behind the failed Lagoona Bay Beach Resort project in Huntersville in 2023. He scrapped the plan after saying changes that needed rezoning approval would cost too much.