City of Phoenix Sets High Standard for Convention Hotel Development

Nearly five years ago, the City of Phoenix embarked on a plan to revitalize the core of their downtown by building a convention hotel that would draw national attendance for the Phoenix Convention Center and simultaneously benefit the downtown economy.

The strategic approach for building what would become the largest hotel in Arizona was an endeavor that required public bond financing, strong leadership by City leaders, and support from the local community. Moving forward with their plans, Phoenix raised $350 million in public financing for the monumental project.

Originally embarking on the convention hotel project utilizing its substantial in-house resources, the City realized early on that the long-term success of the project could be enhanced by bringing outside expertise on board. Knowing they needed experts in hospitality development and project management, the City sought TynanGroup, Inc. to join their project team.

“We needed a firm that knew hospitality projects of this size and scope well enough to manage our development team” said Jerry Harper, Program Manager with the City of Phoenix. “Looking at TynanGroup’s reputation for completing projects on time and under budget, we were confident they would benefit our plans for the Sheraton project. We were right- TynanGroup’s expertise and leadership allowed us to complete the project under budget and ahead of schedule.”

Working together with Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Perini Building Company, Parsons Corporation, BBGM and the architectural firms of Arquitectonica and RSP, TynanGroup played a key role in managing the efforts of all involved team members toward the ultimate goal of a timely and economical project completion.

Some convention hotel developments in other cities have not fared so well.  All government and civic leaders want convention hotels to be significant economic engines for their communities. To achieve this vision, it is critical that these visible public projects hit budget, timeline and program goals to succeed.

“Project management makes a significant difference on projects of this size,” said Sergio Bakas, Senior Vice President of Arquitectonica. “Our firm designs convention and hotel facilities internationally and the Phoenix Sheraton Downtown Hotel was one of the most successful projects we have ever worked on. TynanGroup’s strong leadership and the City’s vision helped make this happen.”

“To open a hotel of this magnitude on time and on budget is a testament to the diligence of all those involved in this project,” said Leo Percopo, General Manager of the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel. “Perini Construction, the City of Phoenix, TynanGroup and Starwood all had to perform flawlessly to deliver such a successful project.”

Completed ahead of schedule, the Sheraton Phoenix is now a keystone for a modernized and redeveloped Downtown Phoenix and the first major hotel built downtown since 1976. Having taken on such a lucrative project, the City of Phoenix is now heralded as a prime destination for conventions, corporate meetings and major sporting events. In addition, Arizona Commercial Real Estate Magazine selected the City of Phoenix as the “Developer of the Year” due in part to the success of the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel.

Tactful, efficient, and focused on development, the City of Phoenix’s efforts on the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel serve as a model for all cities in our nation to aspire to. Jerry Harper summed it up well when he said, “The Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel is a testament to the art of the possible.”

Sheraton Phoenix Awarded Best Hospitality Project

Arizona Commercial Real Estate Magazine presented the 4th Annual RED Awards on February 26, 2009, recognizing the most notable commercial real estate projects throughout the state. The Best Hospitality Project was awarded to the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel. The project is featured in the March/April 2009 issue of Arizona Commercial Real Estate Magazine.

Quick Facts:
Sheraton Phoenix

Total Rooms: 1,000

Size: 1,200,000 SF,
31 stories

City: Phoenix, AZ

Completed:
August 2008

Amenities:

• 14 state-of-the art meeting spaces
• 2 large ballrooms
• 2 terraces for outdoor events
• 2 high-end executive
• boardrooms
• Rooftop outdoor pool
• Fitness center
• Lobby bar
• Full-service business center
• Link at Sheraton
• Destination
• restaurant and lounge
• Full-service coffee bar

Developing a Convention Center Hotel?

We are the experts in convention center hotels and have the tools and the expertise to take  your project from design to completion in a timely and efficient manner.

Learn more about how we can help by contacting us.

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