
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. (more…)