DLR Group to Design Headquarters Hotel in Tucson

New $167 Million Hotel to Serve as Centerpiece of Downtown Redevelopment

(Vocus) June 17, 2009 -- As part of the city's revitalization efforts, the Tucson City Council voted unanimously to proceed with the development of a $167 million headquarters hotel. The development team consists of DLR Group (http://www.dlrgroup.com/#/3.14/), architecture and engineering; national developer Garfield Traub (http://www.garfieldtraub.com/); and design-builders Turner Construction (http://www.turnerconstruction.com/) and Sundt Construction. Sheraton, Starwood Hotels and Resorts (http://www.starwoodhotels.com/corporate/company_info.html) largest and most global brand, was selected for the 525-room full service hotel, slated to open in 2012.

"This is a high profile project, especially in this economy," said Ken Martin, Principal with DLR Group. "Our goal is to deliver a design that serves as an economic engine to help revitalize Tucson tourism and downtown redevelopment."

"Garfield Traub's vision for this hotel is a world-class facility the citizens of Tucson can be proud to call their own," said Steve Moffett, President of Garfield Traub's Hospitality Division. "We look forward to working with the city to make this a reality."

During various community planning meetings between November 2008 and February 2009, DLR Group designers listened as Tucson citizens shared their wishes for a landmark building, true to the heritage of the city. The design incorporates Tucson's rich cultural history and arts community, and reflects the desert landscape environment.

"DLR Group's design concept is grounded in nature, balancing rock, water, and light to form a signature building true to the Tucson desert, culture, and city," said Gary Worthy, Principal and designer with DLR Group.

"The hotel will be a launch pad for growth and redevelopment in our city," said Tucson Mayor Bob Walkup. "This project will put people in Tucson back to work, stimulate our local economy, and put money back into the hands of our citizens."

Tuscon's new hotel will feature a bar and lobby lounge, spa and fitness center, café, outdoor pool deck, business center, a 1,160 space parking structure, and 36,000 square feet of meeting and ballroom space. In addition to a new headquarters hotel, work includes a 55,000 square foot exhibit hall and meeting space expansion of the existing adjacent convention center. The expanded convention center and hotel will allow for additional conventions and events to spur development. Both facilities are crucial in the revitalization of Tucson's downtown economy.

Please credit image to DLR Group.

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