Concord Hospitality is about to get started on its long-anticipated hotel at the old McPherson Hospital site on West Main Street.

Helm Builders of Raleigh is scheduled to start work this month on an 80-room, custom-built Courtyard by Marriott, incorporating the original 1925 hospital building while replacing the later-added wings with new construction.

"We want it to be a very first-class Courtyard," said Concord vice president Kevin McAteer. "We want to make sure the experience coming into that hotel is something unique."

The City Council approved a site plan for the project in June 2006. The permit would have expired had Concord not obtained building permits within 24 months.

Concord has been in conversation with residential neighbors for many months about its plans. Some residents of adjoining Trinity Park blocked another developer's condominium plan for the former hospital parking lot at Watts Street and Lamond Avenue. McAteer said Concord is confident of amiable relations with the neighbors.

"We're confident enough we're basically there [that] we're putting up the construction fence ... and investing in finalizing the construction plans," he said.

Next-door neighbor Nathan Isley, however, has contacted the city/county planning department about an apparent zoning-ordinance violation in the approved site plan. Planning Director Steve Medlin is away this week, but City Attorney Karen Sindelar said she has met with Medlin about Isley's information.

Art annual

The sixth annual MOMart art show continues today and Sunday, in the old Elks Lodge at 2670 Chapel Hill Blvd. (next to Foster's). Beneficiary is the Carolina Outreach Foundation, which serves children with behavioral disabilities.

According to the organizers (an informal group called "Just a Few Friends"), the show includes work by more than 100 artists, in pottery, painting, photography, jewelry, glass and so on. Food and drink available, too.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and noon to 3 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free.

Crafts back

The Durham Craft Market has resumed its weekly operations on the lot across Foster Street from the Farmers' Market Pavilion. Hours are 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday until further notice. Wood work, metal work, pottery, jewelry, clothing and garden art are some of the crafts on sale.

Pooch pampering

Durham has another canine daycare/resort: Pet Ritz, at 2612 S. Miami Blvd. (at Lumley Road). Owners Bill and Ann Robbins offer spa treatments, socializing for puppies and geriatric care along with looking after pooches while their two-legged parents are away or at work: www.petritznc.com.

Thinking ahead

The Durham Arts Council is now taking applications from artists, performers, nonprofits and food sellers who want to be part of this year's Centerfest.

Dates are Sept. 20 and 21. See www.centerfest.durhamarts.org.