July, 2004
CONSTRUCTION OF SCHAUMBURG CONVENTION CENTER AND HOTEL TO COMMENCE
Groundbreaking ceremony set for project designed by John Portman & Associates
ATLANTA, GA - July 19, 2004 - John Portman & Associates, Inc. (Portman) is pleased to announce that the Village Board of Schaumburg, Illinois has retained Walsh Construction Company to begin construction of their new convention center and hotel. A groundbreaking ceremony will be held at the project site on July 27, 2004.
Portman was awarded the design commission for the new $226 million project in September, 2001. The 330,000 square foot convention center features a 100,000 square foot exhibit hall, a 28,000 sf ballroom, and 20,000 sf of meeting rooms. Supporting the convention center will be a 500-room Renaissance hotel, and surface parking for approximately 1,600 cars. The projects components will be linked via covered connections, and will be centered around a landscaped water feature. Both the hotel and the convention center will be operated by Marriott International.
John Portman, Chairman of John Portman & Associates, is excited about the project. "Inspired by the project's unique blending of commercial and cultural interests, the goal was to create an iconic, yet pragmatic design, one that would raise the stature of the Village of Schaumburg on a national level and be a major economic catalyst. This Schaumburg investment is set in a large water garden and, with its prime location, will provide a special place for its people and for visitors around the country."
The convention center and hotel has been envisioned by local leaders for many years, and is anticipated to generate millions of dollars for the growing economy of this Northwest Chicago suburb. Al Larson, Schaumburg Village President, commented Its a magnificent design. Its impact on the entire region will be enormous, and all of Schaumburg will be the better for it. This is something where youre going to come in and say, Wow. Jurgen Giesbert, Senior Vice President, Renaissance North America remarked, One of the pillars for Renaissance is its distinctive architecture and design. It is what sets us apart from the rest. I cannot think of a design that is more befitting of our brand position than this new hotel. It perfectly epitomizes distinctiveness.
The complex will play an integral role in the continued economic growth of the Village and will serve as an architectural landmark for Schaumburg. The image and quality of the project will position Schaumburg as the leader of Chicagos Northwest Suburbs and will enhance the general quality of life for this dynamic community, said Ellis Katz, Executive Vice President and Director of Hospitality Studio for Portman.
The master plan allows for an expansion of the exhibit space by approximately 150,000 square feet, and a 2,400-seat performing arts theater, providing an exceptional entertainment venue for hotel guests and the residents of the greater metropolitan area. The 45-acre site is prominently located at the northeast corner of Meacham Road and Interstate 90 (Northwest Tollway), near OHare International Airport, and corporate and retail districts. The project is expected to be completed in July, 2006.
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