The ambitious expansion of the Southern Hotel in downtown Covington, which heralded a new wave of development when it was announced in 2022 , has been delayed.

Owner Lisa Condrey Ward said she is pumping the brakes due to questions about the economy and a desire to take another look at the expansion plans.

“It just feels like taking a pause right now is the best option,” she said.

But, she added, that doesn’t mean she’s stepping away from the project.

“I feel like I’ve been treading water for the past two years and that’s not my strong suit,” Ward said. “I want this building to last 200 years.”

When the hotel’s expansion was announced, city officials and tourism leaders hoped the project would attract more visitors to downtown Covington.

A row of buildings in the 300 block of North

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