BRADENTON — The same company poised to begin redeveloping the "Pink Palace" in downtown Bradenton into a Hampton Inn & Suites is also looking at other potential sites in the area for new hotels, a Bradenton official said.

“They have said that once they get through, they’re very interested in pursuing another site,” said Dave Gustafson, executive director of Bradenton’s Downtown Development Authority, which is charged with revitalizing the city’s downtown.

“They’re very interested in pursing another site,” said Gustafson of the company, Widewaters Bradenton LLC. Company officials are considering one site in particular, he added.

However, with a $15 million restoration of the 1920s-era former Manatee River Hotel slated to start within weeks, the company has its hands full for the moment, Gustafson said, adding that, “We are going to continue to market properties to them.”

”We are not resting on our laurels,” he said.

Brian Long, director of development for the company’s parent, The Widewaters Group Inc., of Syracuse, N.Y., could not immediately be reached for comment.