Midwest Meetings | Expansions/Renovations News & Views

Latest Expansions/Renovations News & Views...

Hyatt Regency O'Hare Announces $3.3 Million Ballroom Renovation

Dave Jacobs, General Manager of Hyatt Regency O’Hare, announced today that the 15,046 square foot Rosemont Ballroom Complex is undergoing a $3.3 million renovation to be completed March 3, 2012. The sophisticated, modern new space will include award-winning, energy-saving Lutron lighting, a total light management system that provides a wide range of colors and styles allowing for flawless incorporation with any décor. Striking custom-designed pendants will provide a chic, contemporary alternative to traditional chandeliers. Additionally, a state-of-the-art upgraded speaker and sound system as well as a Hufcor moveable wall system will be installed. Iridescent champagne-colored wall coverings accented with sleek white oak panels will be paired with custom dark grey, teal and gold Axminster carpeting to create an elegant setting for meetings and special events.

Just six months after reopening, Lake Lawn Resort welcomes capitol improvements.

DELAVAN, Wis. – When Lake Lawn Resort closed in December of 2010, the loss of one of Wisconsin’s most iconic landmarks with more than 130 years of history was not only immediately felt in the surrounding Walworth County community, but throughout the state of Wisconsin and northern Illinois.

Read More:

Kansas City Marriott Downtown

The highest impact phase of a nearly $20 million multi-year makeover of Kansas City’s largest convention hotel is now under way. The project focuses on transforming the hotel’s traditional lobby into Marriott’s new “great room” concept and is scheduled for completion in May, 2012. More...

Potawatomi Casino Announces Plans For New Hotel

The Potawatomi Casino will break ground early this summer on a four-star hotel, Potawatomi Casino General Manager Mike Goodrich announced Tuesday. The $150-million hotel, on the casino property in the Menomonee Valley, is scheduled to open in spring 2014. It will be 20 stories high, have 380 rooms and a full-service spa. Full story...

Future Plans For The Corn Palace

The world's only Corn Palace may be in for a few changes. The CVB in Mitchell held a public forum Monday evening where architects shared ideas about the future of the structure. For the past several months, the city of Mitchell has been working with MS&R Architecture out of Minneapolis to come up with a few different concepts for the building. Full story...

The Northland Inn Hotel and Conference Center Completes Exterior Renovations

With the exterior renovations complete, the Northland Inn Hotel and Conference Center is launching the second phase of its $24 million investment and evolution to become a cornerstone property in the Marriott Hotels family. The hotel, located in the Minneapolis suburb of Brooklyn Park, Minn., is undergoing an extensive renovation prior to becoming the Minneapolis Marriott Northwest during summer 2012. Full story...

New Indoor Ropes Course Under Construction at the Wilderness Hotel & Golf Resort

Wilderness Hotel & Golf Resort officials yesterday announced that they have begun construction on an indoor Northern Lights Sky Ropes Course. It is anticipated to be completed and open for business by the end of the month. Full story...

The Cleveland Airport Marriott in Ohio Unveils Its $22 Million Renovation

Leave your worries on the runway when you stay at Cleveland Airport Marriott. The Cleveland Hopkins airport hotel is now sharing its $22 million renovations with guests looking for luxurious accommodations after a cramped flight. Just a few miles from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, Cleveland Airport Marriott offers a complimentary shuttle to and from the airport. Full story...

Kalahari Resort – Sandusky Doubles Size of Convention Center With $22 Million Expansion

Kalahari Resort in Sandusky, OH announced the opening of its newly expanded convention center, marking the completion of a $22 million, ten-month renovation. The 120,000 sq. ft. addition more than doubles the size of the previous convention center, bringing the total square footage to 215,000 and making the Kalahari Resort – Sandusky the only under-one-roof complex in the Midwest to offer a convention center and hotel of such scope. Full story...

Swissôtel Chicago Undergoing $10 Million Renovation of Lobby and Meeting Space

Big changes are coming to Swissôtel Chicago. Starting early December, the Four Diamond hotel will revitalize its lobby and classic meeting space, pulling inspiration from its original architect, Harry Weese, to create a modern design with natural elements that reflect the hotel’s Swiss heritage. Guests will see one of the biggest changes right at the start of their stay. Check-in pods will replace the bulky front desk giving guests a more welcoming experience. Full story...

Chef Joseph's Adds Elegance to Downtown Indianapolis Lunch

Looking for an elegant lunch spot to seal a deal? Local event planner John Mays has created one. Chef Joseph's at the Connoisseur Room opened last week. According to the restaurant's website, it offers "a full service fine-dining luncheon providing business professionals an opportunity to wine and dine their clients in a sophisticated atmosphere." Despite the casual nature of today's dining scene, Mays saw a need for a little lunchtime elegance. Full story...

Hilton Wichita Airport Executive Conference Center Rebranding

Wichita Airport Hotel Associates, L.P. announced the signing of a franchise license agreement with a subsidiary of Hilton Worldwide to rebrand the 302-room Hilton Wichita Airport Executive Conference Center as the DoubleTree by Hilton Wichita Airport in Q12012. Ownership and management of the hotel will not change, and the hotel will continue to be a member of the Hilton Worldwide portfolio of hotels, as it has for the past 30 years. Full story...

Rochester Marriott Mayo Clinic Completes Multi-Million Dollar Renovation

The Rochester Marriott Mayo Clinic Area has recently completed a comprehensive hotel renovation and redesign that adds casual comfort and modern updates to its lobby, reception desk, lounge, restaurant and guest rooms. A hallmark of the extensive renovation is Marriott’s Great Room lobby concept, which incorporates adaptable working and socializing spaces. Full story...

John Deere Pavilion Announces Major Renovation

The John Deere Pavilion has been a top attraction in the Quad Cities and the state of Illinois since it opened in 1997, drawing millions of guests from around the globe to visit one of the most comprehensive agricultural exhibits in the world. To ensure it continues to be a cutting-edge facility and top attraction in the area, the Pavilion will soon undergo a major redesign of the guest experience. Full story...

Multi-Million Dollar Renovation of the Hotel Phillips in Kansas City

Marcus Hotels & Resorts announced the completion of a multi-million dollar property-wide renovation of the historic Hotel Phillips in downtown Kansas City, MO. “The renovation focused on maintaining the hotel’s elegant Art Deco design elements while adding the high-quality amenities that today’s travelers expect,” said Chris Anderson, senior vice president, sales, marketing and brand development of Marcus Hotels & Resorts. Full story...

Brewhouse Inn & Suites to Move into Pabst Brewery Buildings

Groundbreaking was held on October 17th for construction work on The Brewhouse Inn & Suites. The project will be an adaptive re-use of two existing historic buildings, previously part of the Pabst Brewery, into a 90-room hotel and pub-style restaurant. Located in the former Brew House building, the Brewhouse Inn & Suites will incorporate the original copper brew kettles in the mezzanine area and many historic elements, including a large stained glass window featuring a picture of the legendary beer icon King Gambrinus, winding staircases, and a large skylight. Full story...

Marriott Mint Program Invests Millions in St Louis Marriott Hotel Renovations

The St. Louis Marriott West announces a multi-million dollar renovation adding a modern fresh look and expanded hotel amenities for guests. Located on a scenic lakefront property near Lambert Airport, the St. Louis Marriott West is participating in the “Marriott Mint” program. This nationwide initiative strives to continually go beyond travelers expectations by providing updated amenities and flexible public spaces ideal for leisure and business guests. Full story...

The Northland Inn Hotel and Conference Center to Become Marriott Minneapolis Northwest

StepStone Hospitality, manager of the Northland Inn Hotel and Conference Center, announced that the all-suite hotel will convert to the Marriott hotel brand. The hotel, located in the Minneapolis suburb of Brooklyn Park, MN, will undergo an extensive $24 million renovation prior to becoming the Marriott Minneapolis Northwest during Summer 2012. Full story...

Comfort Inn in Mentor, OH to Undergo $100,000 Makeover

A Holiday Inn project is planned in a busy area of Mentor. The city planning commission on Thursday will consider a proposal to re-image the Comfort Inn hotel building at 7701 Reynolds Road, just south of Route 2, and re-brand it to a Holiday Inn. The estimated $100,000 re-imaging work would include changes to roof lines and the covered entrance canopy. Full story...

Glam Design at Sepia's New Private Dining Space in Chicago

Capturing the understated elegance of Chicago's early history, West Loop restaurant Sepia has become known for its distinctive decor of vintage photographic equipment and neutral tones. In fact, the dining room is so impressive it caught the eye of director Ron Howard, who filmed at the restaurant for his movie "The Dilemma" last year. So, when the restaurant decided to open an adjacent private dining space, the bar was set high. Full story...

Cedar Rapids, IA Breaks Ground on Convention Complex

The City of Cedar Rapids is building a new downtown convention complex, which includes the renovation of the attached U.S. Cellular Center arena and the former Crowne Plaza Five Seasons Hotel. The complex will be completed in Spring 2013. Full story...

Hyatt Regency McCormick Place Announces Plans for Expansion and Renovation

Hyatt Regency McCormick Place announced that the first phase of a multi-million dollar expansion and renovation has begun. The hotel’s owner, Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA), will be investing approximately $110 million in the construction and furnishings of the hotel, which will be completed in phases. Full story...

KI Expansion Funding Debated

Monday evening Green Bay council members gave a thumbs up to how they'd like to see part of the $19 million KI expansion project paid for. However, it's not a done deal yet. After nearly three hours of debate, Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt got what's he's been pushing for, with his vote as the deciding factor. Full story...

Fox Cities Exhibition Center Plan Faces Next Steps

A 2008 study found that the Fox Cities could boost its appeal for trade shows and conventions by expanding exhibition space. Now, plans are in full swing to make that a reality. "We had plenty of hotel rooms, we had plenty of meeting rooms," said Walt Rugland, who's spearheading the effort. "What we didn't have was the capacity for sponsors to bring exhibits to their convention." Full story...

Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center Opens

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. and Crown Center Redevelopment Corporation announced the opening of Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center. The 40-story, 730-room hotel built in 1980 is set to immediately undergo a $13 million renovation to implement all of the Sheraton brand’s signature offerings including the Sweet Sleeper® bed designed to meet AAA’s Five Diamond Award® criteria, Club Lounge, Link@Sheraton(R) experienced with Microsoft(R), and Sheraton Fitness programmed by Core Performance. Full story...

Hyatt Regency Minneapolis Undergoes $25 Million Renovation

Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, one of the largest properties in the Twin Cities, will undergo a major renovation starting this month with expected completion late Spring of 2012. A $25 million renovation of the hotel's guestrooms, suites, public areas, and restaurants is planned. Full story...

Sioux Falls Announces New Event Center

The Sioux Falls Convention and Visitors Bureau announced that a new Event Center will be built in Sioux Falls, SD for completion by Fall of 2014. On Tuesday, November 8, 2011 the city of Sioux Falls passed a public vote that supports the new $115 million multi-purpose arena. Full story...

National Sports Center Breaks Ground on New Sport Expo Center

The National Sports Center (NSC) in Blaine, MN has begun construction on a major new facility. The new $3.2 million Sport Expo Center will provide additional indoor space for sports training, sports and education-oriented expos, and large meetings and events. The new building will adjoin the west side of the existing Schwan Center. The Schwan Center is located on the north end of the NSC Stadium. Full story...

Crowne Plaza Cleveland City Centre Hotel Plans $64 Million Renovation

Optima Ventures and Sage Hospitality have partnered to purchase the Crowne Plaza Cleveland City Centre hotel in downtown Cleveland and plan to convert the property into a 481-room Westin. The hotel will shut down in mid-November to undergo more than $64 million in upgrades, including the complete remodel of all guestrooms, more than 25,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and all public spaces, plus the installation of energy-efficient windows, a new roof, and extensive exterior improvements. Full story...

Hyatt Regency Indianapolis Launches $19 Million Guestroom Renovation

Hyatt Regency Indianapolis, located in the heart of Indianapolis’ vibrant downtown, recently began a $19 million guestroom transformation. With completion anticipated for January 2012, the hotel will feature the newest guestrooms and suites in the city. The new rooms are designed to deliver a sophisticated atmosphere that provides the very best in style, comfort and technology. The scope of the renovation includes all 499 guestrooms, suites and corridors, including 25 Respire hypo-allergenic rooms. Full story...

Holiday Inn Alexandria Undergoing Complete Renovation

Over $1 million of renovations so far, and still going! The Holiday Inn Alexandria has undergone a complete renovation. All 149 guest rooms have been updated with new furnishings, wireless internet, and large work desks. Full story...

St. Cloud's Newly Expanded River's Edge Convention Center Now Accepting Reservations for 2012

As construction for the extensive expansion at St. Cloud's River's Edge Convention Center progresses on schedule, convention and event bookings for 2012 are now being accepted. River's Edge is set to officially open this December. The new facility, which features an 80,000 sq. ft. expansion to the former St. Cloud Civic Center, is nearly the double the size of its predecessor. Full story...

Historic Park Inn Hotel Reopened in Mason City, IA

The Historic Park Inn Hotel, the only remaining hotel in the world designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright, reopened in August in downtown Mason City, following an $18 million renovation. The 27-room hotel is expected to draw architecture fans from around the world. Full story...

GO Airport Express Launches Casino Express

GO Airport Express today launched a shuttle service to the newly opened Rivers Casino in Des Plaines. Casino Express is providing transportation from O’Hare Airport and downtown Chicago hotels. In August, the service will expand to include Midway Airport, McCormick Place, the Rosemont Convention Center and hotels throughout Des Plaines and Rosemont. Full story...

$22 Million Conventions Expansion at Kalahari in Sandusky, OH

Ohio's largest convention center resort is getting even larger. A $22 million expansion will more than double the size of the Kalahari Convention Center in Sandusky and is expected to open December 2011. The 120,000 sq. ft. addition will bring Kalahari's convention center total square footage to 215,000. Full story...

Crave’s Downtown Minneapolis Location Prepares for Opening

One of the summer’s hottest restaurant openings is right around the corner. Crave’s new Minneapolis location is scheduled to open on May 19 in the former Palomino space in LaSalle Plaza. However, one of the restaurant’s main attractions, the rooftop patio, won’t open until June 4. The Downtown location is the sixth restaurant in the Crave chain. Full story...

USA Hosts Chicago Expands

USA Hosts Chicago, a Hosts Global Alliance member, announced the recent appointment of Katie Rozek, CMP, DMCP, as its new director of sales and operations. Rozek joins USA Hosts Chicago General Manager Andrew Schorr in a key leadership position. Full story...

Marcus Completes Renovations at Hilton Milwaukee City Center

Marcus Hotels & Resorts has completed its $11.5 million multi-phase renovation of the Hilton Milwaukee City Center. The hotel, which has been operating at 509 W. Wisconsin Ave since 1929, received renovations to its guestrooms, lobby area, public spaces, fitness center and more. he hotel has been extensively restored to reflect its original 1920s grandeur and renovated to incorporate modern technology to accommodate guests’ present-day needs. Full story...

Missouri Hotel & Convention Center Announces Expansion

The Ramada Oasis Hotel & Convention Center in Springfield, MO, will begin renovations this fall, adding 13,000 square feet of meeting space to the convention center. The work includes the addition of a ballroom that will accommodate up to 1,300 people for a banquet; it will be divisible into three smaller rooms that will hold 150 to 250 guests each. Full story...