Midwest Meetings | Expansions/Renovations News & Views

Latest Expansions/Renovations News & Views...

A Star is born in Columbus, OH

With a fresh, new take on a cherished pastime, Star Lanes Polaris ushers
traditional bowling into the new era. Star Lanes Polaris blends state-of-the-
art lanes, full-scale bar and menu, modern and classic arcade games for all
ages, high-definition projectors and more all into one!
After lacing up, head over to The Point. A charming restaurant
located within Star Lanes Polaris, The Point offers an eclectic
menu of savory foods. From signature dishes and drink options
to made-to-share finger foods, The Point serves up quality food
for any event or party.
Star Lanes has a VIP event space for private functions that includes six private lanes, a private bar, full menu service to the tables/lanes and private restrooms. Garage-style doors close this space off from the rest of the venue. The Point offers special event menus and the event spaces all have full AV capabilities. There is an additional meeting room/event space, where an group can host a business meeting, and then guests can bowl a few frames during breaks or after meetings are finished.
Here are the dimensions for the event areas:
·         VIP area: 3,400 sq ft approx. (not including bowling lanes and approach)
·         Meeting/event space: 1,200 sq ft approx.
·         Combined space for VIP area and meeting/event space: 4,600 sq ft.
·         Three birthday party rooms near the game area:
o   Party room 1: 244 sq ft
o   Party room 2: 275 sq ft
o   Party room 3: 235 sq ft
Visit Star Lanes Polaris

Springfield Illinois’ Prairie Capital Convention Center Being Renovated

Just a few blocks from both the Lincoln Home National Historic Site and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Springfield’s Prairie Capital Convention Center, in the center of the city’s historic downtown district, is undergoing its first major renovation since being built in 1978.
The almost-$16 million dollar project will be completed later this year. 21,000 square feet of meeting space on the lower level has already been updated with new lighting, wall coverings, carpet and furnishings. State-of-the-art Audio Visual services will be available. Work on the main level has begun, and will include expanding the lobby, upgrading loading docks, adding first-floor bathrooms, a food court and a new façade on the parking ramp.
The facility offers 40,000 square feet of column-free, direct access exhibit space with an additional 16 meeting rooms.
Lower-level renovations feature a new color-scheme and a definite “Prairie-Style” feel, reflecting one of the city’s architectural masterpieces, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Dana Thomas House.
General Manager Brian Oaks said the changes will make marketing Springfield to convention and sporting event planners easier. “They can expect this facility to be competitive in both quality and pricing. Our renovation will reflect what groups have been telling us they’d like to see.”
Gina Gemberling, Director of Sales for the Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau said her office is already receiving significant interest in the changes from meeting planners. “The Prairie Capital Convention Center will provide state-of-the-art meeting and exhibit space to planners. We are looking forward to showing it off.”
Within walking distance of the Prairie Capital Convention Center are the Hilton Springfield, the President Abraham Lincoln Hotel and Conference Center and the State House Inn, along with unique local dining, specialty shops and world-class sites and attractions.
Springfield is a historic Midwestern capital city and the home of America’s 16th President, Abraham Lincoln. Over one million people visit Springfield annually.

Eaglewood Resort & Spa Completes $1.2 Million Conference Center Renovation

Eaglewood Resort & Spa, located in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, has recently completed a two-month, $1.2 million renovation of its state-of-the-art Conference Center. The makeover encompassed the Conference Center’s meeting rooms and common areas, including new carpeting, wall vinyl, draperies & sheers, upholstery and furnishings, along with a technology upgrade to accommodate up to 100 Mbps of bandwidth. The colors, featuring warm and inviting earth tones, fall in line with Eaglewood’s trademark Prairie-style design, which is prominent throughout the entire resort and pays homage to renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
The Eaglewood project was designed by Moncur Design Associates Inc., based in Toronto, Canada. John Lee, Eaglewood director of facilities and CRS, based in Canton, Georgia, specializes in hotel renovations and oversaw the renovation.
“For the past 10 years, Eaglewood has been one of Chicagoland’s top meeting destinations, welcoming more than 250,000 guests and meeting attendees from across the U.S.,” said Charles Reece, general manager, Eaglewood Resort & Spa. “We recognized the need to modernize the Conference Center, while maintaining the relaxed style our meeting guests have come to expect from the property. The newly renovated design accomplished both.”
With more than 37,000 square feet, Eaglewood Resort & Spa is an IACC-certified space. This means the property ensures professionals are working in the most productive meeting environment possible. The resort features 37 function rooms, ballroom & amphitheater, outdoor
terrace and conference concierge. Eaglewood's 18-hole championship golf course, complete
health spa and six-lane Brunswick Retro Bowling alley make the resort perfect for teambuilding events. In addition, Eaglewood Resort & Spa has been a leader in the green movement within the hospitality industry for many years, and in 2010 joined only 40 hotels nationwide by receiving the Silver Green Seal certification for efforts to reduce the impact on the environment.

The Abbey Resort Celebrates 50th Anniversary with The Completion of a $50 Million Renovation

In honor of its 50th anniversary, The Abbey Resort & AVANI Spa is completing a multi-phase, $50 million renovation giving the resort a completely fresh look to ensure it remains an ideal destination for meetings for the next fifty years. The final phase of the renovation will be be completed in May 2013 and focuses on the ballroom, meeting space and spa, as well as a complete update to the exterior of the resort.
The iconic resort, located on the shores of Lake Geneva, is working with lead designers from BSB Design,Inc., Lowell Management Services, Inc. and Whitespace Interiors, LLC to create a refreshed look inside and out. The refurbishments will complement the already exceptional resort experience.
“With 40,000 square feet of flexible indoor/outdoor meeting space, The Abbey Resort has been welcoming groups for 50 years,” said David Lindelow, general manager of The Abbey Resort and AVANI Spa. “The resort’s renovation gives the entire property a more contemporary look and feel allowing us to continue the tradition of stellarservice, outstanding facilities and a prime lakefront location for meetings and events for many years to come.”
The meeting space renovations include updates to the Harbor Ballroom as well as the adjacent Wisconsin Ballroom, pre-function areas and Geneva meeting rooms. Improvements include new carpeting, wall treatments and window coverings and interior furnishings. Additional interior renovations include refreshing the woman’s tranquility area in the 35,000 square-foot AVANI Spa.
The Abbey’s exterior renovations will update major outdoor focal points, making the resort more aesthetically pleasing. Elements of the Abbey A-Frame will be added at varying scales throughout the resort, including at significant entrances such as the Waterfront Restaurant, the AVANI Spa and the harbor side entrance. This will enhance spaces meeting planners use for outside events such as cocktail parties, dinner and team building activities.

The Westin Cleveland Downtown Set to Open Spring 2014

Sage Hospitality and Optima Fund Management are pleased to announce that the highly anticipated The Westin Cleveland Downtown will open in Spring 2014 after the completion of a $64 million renovation.
The contemporary 484 room hotel is located in Cleveland’s downtown financial district adjacent to the new Cleveland Convention Center and Medical Mart and just steps from Brown’s Stadium and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Ohio-based Marous Brothers Construction, design/builder on the project, began remodeling the property in December; plans include the renovation of all public areas, event space and guest rooms. The new exterior façade will feature metal panels and LED lighting that rotates through a range of colors. Once completed, the hotel – which is expected to earn LEED certification – will feature a state-of-the-art fitness center, a business center and a Starbucks.
Designed by McCarten, an award winning New York design firm, the property will offer a relaxed elegance with ample natural light throughout and the extensive use of patina wood, leather and steel. The lobby will welcome guests with a residential, sociable feel, featuring a mix of communal work tables and whimsical yet comfortable furniture.
The property’s 484 guest rooms – many of which offer sweeping Lake Erie views - will feature Westin’s signature Heavenly in-room amenities, including the Westin Heavenly Bed and a luxurious bathroom, along with a sectional sofa, an ergonomic work space and high speed wireless Internet.
Sage is working with Cleveland’s LAND Studio to commission more than 1,000 pieces by local artists that reflect the highly industrious and creative nature of Cleveland. The art will hang throughout the hotel, including a major sculpture above the main entrance.
“The Westin Cleveland will offer an unparalleled lodging experience for downtown Cleveland,” said Ken Geist, Executive Vice President and Partner at Denver-based Sage. “We are striving to create a property that showcases Cleveland’s entrepreneurial spirit while also offering travelers the latest in luxury and high tech amenities.”
The Westin Cleveland Downtown will offer 20,000 square feet of flexible event space that can be divided into 20 separate rooms, including a 9,000 square foot Grand Ballroom connected to the floor above by a glass staircase.
For more information, please visit www.westincleveland.com.

Kalahari Resorts Plans Expansion in Pocono Mountains
Family-owned resort working to bring its unique African themed park to East Coast

Kalahari Resorts, home to one of America’s most successful family-owned indoor water parks, has begun planning and development on a proposed expansion in the Pocono Mountains – a $350 million, 150-acre complex in Monroe County at Pocono Manor, tentatively scheduled to open in late 2014 or early 2015. The project would be completed in three phases. The first phase includes a resort with 450 luxury guest rooms and suites, a 100,0000-square-foot indoor water park, a two-acre outdoor water park, a 65,000-square-foot convention center, a 30,000-square-foot indoor theme park/arcade and 6,000 square feet of retail space including two full-service restaurants.
Currently, Kalahari Resorts operates thriving resorts in Wisconsin Dells, Wis., and Sandusky, Ohio.
Kalahari recently submitted preliminary land development plans for the proposed Kalahari Resorts & Convention Center – Poconos development, which is expected to create over 1,500 new jobs once completed and boost the Pocono Mountains $2.1 billion tourism industry. An economic impact study prepared by Hotel and Leisure Advisors estimates that the project would add about 1,200 construction jobs and another 700 full- and part-time jobs during its first year of operation. Visitors to the resort are also expected to contribute over $18 million annually to the local economy.
“Our goal in the Pocono Mountains is to build on the success of our Midwest locations by providing regional tourists with a world-class destination for families and unmatched convention facilities for business groups,” says Todd Nelson, Owner and President of Kalahari Resorts. “As a family-owned business, it is always our goal to exceed the expectations of our guests in terms of service, amenities, food and entertainment. As we look to expand in the Pocono Mountains and contribute to the local economy, we want to extend a long-lasting welcome to area residents, visiting tourists and business travelers.”
For more information about the current Kalahari resort locations, please visit http://www.kalahariresorts.com/.

Drury Lane Announces Ballroom, Restaurant and Lobby Renovation

Kyle DeSantis, President of Drury Lane, 100 Drury Lane, announced today that the facility is undergoing an extensive renovation, with Phase 1 to be completed by March, 2013 and Phase 2 to be completed by mid-2014. Phase 1 includes the renovation of the 27,000 square foot Grand Ballroom, the Main Lobby and Cocktail Lounge. The inviting new spaces feature a sophisticated European design aesthetic with top-of-the-line furnishings, original artwork and elegant décor. Phase 2 will include the renovation of the Courtyard Restaurant, French Room, English Room, and the Theatre Bar.
“For almost 30 years, we've had the honor of hosting thousands of celebrations and special events and our guests have become part of the Drury Lane family. We are thrilled to continue this tradition with a new generation of guests," said DeSantis. "We can't wait to introduce our beautiful new space."
Drury Lane is a spectacular location for meetings, private parties, or wedding receptions. The venue's expert catering and event staff provide stellar customer service to create flawless, memorable occasions. Newly expanded menus provide an array of choices for ethnic weddings and events and options for guests with dietary restrictions.
For more information regarding booking an event at Drury Lane, call 630.530.8300 or visit www.drurylaneoakbrook.com

Drury Lane Completes Ballroom, Restaurant and Lobby Renovation

Kyle DeSantis, President of Drury Lane, 100 Drury Lane, announced today that the facility has completed Phase 1 of its extensive renovation. Phase 2 will be completed by mid-2014. Phase 1 included the renovation of the 27,000 square foot Grand Ballroom, the Main Lobby and Cocktail Lounge, and the French and English Rooms. The inviting new spaces feature a sophisticated European design aesthetic with top-of-the-line furnishings, original artwork and elegant décor. Phase 2 will include the renovation of the Courtyard Restaurant and the Theatre Bar.
“For almost 30 years, we've had the honor of hosting thousands of celebrations and special events and our guests have become part of the Drury Lane family. We are thrilled to continue this tradition with a new generation of guests," said DeSantis. "We can't wait to introduce our beautiful new space."
The renovated Grand Ballroom, Main Lobby and Cocktail Lounge feature a seamless blend of classic sophistication with chic modern elements. Designer Shannon Leoni created a soothing neutral color palette for each space. The soft blue and cream walls in the Grand Ballroom flawlessly complement the stylish custom Stark paisley carpeting, which is based on a design found in a palace in St. Petersburg. New furnishings include tasteful brushed bronze upholstered chairs. The majestic crystal chandeliers in the Grand Ballroom provide a touch of Old World grandeur. The state-of-the-art Grand Ballroom accommodates up to 1,800 guests, and has the capability to divide into several smaller, more intimate rooms. The space has been designed to suit a wide range of events, from black tie galas to corporate meetings and trade shows.
For more information regarding booking an event at Drury Lane, call 630.530.8300 or visit www.drurylaneoakbrook.com.

Hyatt Regency McCormick Place Announces Summer Completion of Expansion and Renovation
$110 Million Project on Track for Summer 2013 Unveiling

Hyatt Regency McCormick Place announced today that its multi-million dollar expansion and renovation is on track for a summer 2013 completion. The hotel’s owner, Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA), has invested nearly $110 million in the total renovation of the hotel, which will provide a new guestroom tower, renovated outlets, meetings and public space.
Phase One of Hyatt Regency McCormick Place’s renovation began in December of 2011 with the construction of a new 460-guestroom tower, which includes 12 suites and two premium suites. Additionally, the hotel’s coffee shop, Daily Grind, received a complete renovation and features a new “Fresh Market” concept, which offers homemade breakfast and lunch menus, using ingredients that are sourced locally. Daily Grind continues to serve a variety of coffee drinks, along with specialty snacks, both healthy and indulgent. The hotel’s 4,000-square-foot Prairie Room has been redesigned offering natural light, fine wood finishes and designer lighting. The newly renovated Prairie Room is available now for groups and events.
Phases Two and Three of the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place expansion and renovation are now underway, running simultaneously. Phase Two includes the complete renovation of the hotel’s 800-guest room tower. All 800 current guestrooms will receive new soft and hard goods, designed in a modern yet residential style. Keeping consistent with the decor of the new 460-guestroom tower, the current, 800-guestroom tower will receive the same furniture, fixtures, design and inclusions of the new tower. The hotel’s restaurant Shor and lounge M/X will also undergo a seating and buffet expansion and will receive a second private dining room.
Phase Three focuses on the hotel lobby, the renovation of the 25,000-square-foot Hyatt Conference Center, the addition of three new boardrooms and a new business center.
For more information and reservations visit: www.mccormickplace.hyatt.com or call 312-567-1234.

Oshkosh Ready to Tackle Major Conventions After Renovation of Waterfront Hotel
Convention experience streamlined, downtown economy to see boost

Conventions can be stressful: Traveling, rental cars and cabs, finding a hotel. But stress no more! Oshkosh has streamlined the convention experience. Visitors can now attend their conventions and stay in a completely renovated hotel, all without ever setting foot outside.
The Oshkosh Premier Waterfront Hotel, formerly the City Center Hotel, will reopen in April, following a $15 million overhaul that includes a skywalk to the convention center. Guests will enjoy 176 beautifully appointed river-view hotel rooms with upgraded amenities including microwaves, refrigerators and 42” flat screen HDTVs. They can also enjoy a complimentary hot breakfast before attending their meetings, free wireless Internet and a business center conveniently located in the lobby. It is the only hotel in the area located on the water complete with docks to provide access to the Fox River and Lake Winnebago.
A quick trip across the skywalk unveils 24,000 sq. ft. of meeting and exhibit space customizable to groups from 5 to 1,200. The on-site culinary team creates customized and creative menu options for any event, from boxed lunches to gala-style dinners. State-of-the-art technology is available and the experienced and professional staff will ensure your event goes off without a hitch.
When your convention day is done, guests can dine at the on-site, waterfront restaurant, Ground Round at River’s Edge. After dinner, conventioneers can relax in the indoor pool and hot tub, enjoy an invigorating workout in the fitness center or take a leisurely stroll through Oshkosh’s vibrant downtown. Guests will surely want to stay a few extra days to ensure enough time to take in the city’s museums, art center, opera house, zoo and shopping centers.
The experienced professionals at the Oshkosh Convention and Visitors Bureau can help you get started right away. Just log on to www.visitoshkosh.com or call (920) 303-9200 to find out more!

Crowne Plaza Hotel Indianapolis Downtown Union Station To Undergo Extensive $8 Million Renovation

General Hotels Corporation, a leading Midwest hotel management company, announces plans for an impressive $8 million dollar renovation to its Crowne Plaza Hotel Indianapolis Downtown Union Station property.
The project is scheduled to begin the first quarter of 2013 and be completed by the third quarter of 2013. The multi-faceted and multi-million dollar project will be conducted in phases to ensure minimal impact to hotel guests. Renovations encompass extensive upgrades to the hotel’s interior space including 273 guest rooms receiving new case goods and bathrooms receiving new floor tile and granite counter tops. Public space, meeting space and food / beverage outlets are included in the project. Consideration is being given to the addition of guest suites and relocation of the fitness center.
As America’s first Union Station and listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the hotel is connected to the Indianapolis Downtown Skywalk System. “The hotel’s historical, architectural charm and proximity to downtown’s entertainment districts, sporting venues and attractions, combined with newly renovated state-of-the art comfort will offer planners and visitors an exclusive meeting / lodging experience distinctly set apart from other area hotels,” said Jim Dora, Jr., General Hotels Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer.
Located in the heart of downtown adjacent to the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium, Crowne Plaza Indianapolis Downtown Union Station features 273-guest rooms and over 55,000 square feet of function space. The hotel is best known for its 26 authentic Pullman train car sleeper rooms resting on their original tracks and is popular for its Grand Hall ballroom featuring the original barrel-vaulted stained glass ceiling with matching stained glass wagon wheel windows.
For more information, visit www.downtownindianapolishotel.com. Reservations can be booked online or by calling 317-631-2221.

Interior demolition nearly complete at Indiana State Fairgrounds’ Coliseum - $63 million renovation includes New Arena ready in 2013

Just a few months into its 22-month, $63 million renovation, the historic Indiana State Fairgrounds’ Coliseum has already undergone dramatic changes. The seats, concessions stands and everything else inside the 73 year-old structure have now been removed, and most of the 268 tons of steel being used on the adjoining “New Arena” have been erected.
Once completed, the new Fairgrounds Coliseum Complex will boast Indianapolis’ only mid-sized, multi-purpose arena with seating for up to 8,200 people.
“The Coliseum is responsible for 40 percent of the State Fairgrounds’ annual revenue and generates 89 million dollars every year for the local economy,” State Fairgrounds Executive Director Cindy Hoye said. “We expect that those numbers will increase after the renovation as word spreads about this beautiful new facility right in the heart of Indianapolis.”
The new Coliseum will showcase a variety of events, including the Indiana State Fair’s major livestock shows and its headline concert series each August. Throughout the year, it will also host professional and collegiate sports, high school graduations, national touring concerts, national livestock events, family entertainment shows and more.
The renovation includes a restoration of the iconic, Art Deco style exterior along with a completely updated interior that includes double-tiered seating, a new video scoreboard and a modern sound system. A video of the new-look Coliseum can be viewed at http://youtu.be/U2s-3A_bAs8.
“This is the most important capital project in the 120-year history of the Indiana State Fairgrounds,” State Fair Commission Chairman Andre Lacy said. “Bringing the Coliseum up to modern day standards ensures its viability for another 50-plus years and is the responsible thing to do – for the State Fairgrounds and the city of Indianapolis.”
The Coliseum is scheduled to reopen in August, 2014.