PROJECT TEAM:
Scott Sickeler, AIA: Principal In Charge
Scott Morris AIA: Project Manager
Tim Keepers: Senior Designer + Imagery
This 470 key expansion convention hotel sits on a small corner lot, adjacent to the convention center and across the street from an existing convention hotel. Providing multiple linkages to both, the circulation system allows guest to move seamlessly between the three facilities. A similar series of hotel operations service connections allows the operator flexibility and opportunities for efficiency in managing the existing and expansion hotels. Taking advantage of the North High Street convention loop, this proposal provides a unique design language at the podium, in which the ballroom, terraces, and pool deck areas stack in a stepping strategy to open to the Convention Loop. In order to activate the arrival experience, a large light sculpture has been introduced in and around the two large apertures into the rail line below. The ballroom has glass on two sides to allow for natural lighting and dramatic views of down town and Short North. An operable wall panels system transforms this open room into a light controlled environment for events that prefer black out configuration. The top deck of the podium houses the pool area, pool bar, entertainment and sunbathing areas. The hotel tower is clad in one of four different curtain wall mullion fin profiles. These fins are either positioned vertically or horizontally to serve as a glazed skin shading device while maximizing dramatic views from each of the guestrooms. The culminating element of the hotel is the rooftop bar and lounge with a large exterior terrace and memorable views in all directions.