SEASIDE The owner of several motels and rental houses in Cannon Beach is expanding to Seaside, and he likes what he sees.

Antoine Simmons, the new owner of the Inn at the Prom (formerly known as the Edgewater Inn at the Prom), said he is excited about being involved in Seasides business community.

Ive always been eyeing Seaside, always looking at any opportunity, said Simmons, who enjoys Seasides activities, numerous citywide events and efforts to promote local businesses.

After purchasing the oceanfront Inn at the Prom in March, Simmons, and his wife, Rocio Simmons, redecorated every one of the 15 rooms. Each has a spa tub surrounded by tile and mosaic design, fireplace, flat-screen television and kitchen.

 The furniture was constructed by a Tigard company, and the beds feature pillow-top mattresses, Simmons said.

 We wanted to make the rooms worthy of the location, being on the Prom. We wanted people to come and really feel like they were taking a vacation, he said.

The rooms contain photographs that tell Seasides history. Because the original house on the site was constructed in 1905, Simmons wanted his guests to understand how the city evolved. He spent many hours at the Seaside Historical Society and Museum poring through old photos showing street scenes.

I wanted to tell the story of Seaside over time, Simmons said.

 He has photos of the Prom, Model Ts being driven around the turnaround, and aerial views of Seaside.

 Ive been here 10 years, and I knew the history, but not at the level that I do now, Simmons said.

The Inn at the Prom reopened May 20. Rates will range from $69 in the winter to $199 for the ocean-front king spa suite in the summer.

Simmons also operates four hotels in Cannon Beach, including the Blue Gull Inn and Inn at Haystack Rock, as well as 12 vacation homes. With the addition of the Seaside property, he is changing his companys name from Haystack Lodgings to Coast Lodgings.

Those who are curious about the changes made at the Inn at the Prom can drop by any time to see what has been done.

Im excited to be here, and Im looking forward to meeting everybody, Simmons said.