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Hyatt: Where the past and the future meet

State-of-the-art technology, luxurious accommodations and miles of meeting space aren't the only things that make Hyatt unique. We also take pride in our tireless restoration of historic landmarks, which make these sites the perfect blend of modern convenience and rich tradition. "When we make the decision to develop a historical site, we take extensive precautions to preserve the historical details," explains John Nicolls, Hyatt's Senior Vice President of Architecture and Design. "It can make construction more challenging, but these important landmarks deserve to be handled with care."

Golden rules

When undertaking a renovation project, Hyatt employs one of three strategies that help us pay homage to historic buildings while still serving your needs. They are: building off the original structure; keeping only the exterior intact and transforming the interior to fit Hyatt's signature style; or designing the guestrooms and other public areas to bring to life the ambience of the original era.

All aboard

Hyatt Regency St. Louis at Union Station boasts more than 35,000 square feet of meeting space; 11 acres of restaurants, boutiques and entertainment; and a convenient downtown location. It's also an architectural dream, which is why we decided to keep the original exterior and incorporate the beautiful interior design within the hotel's floorplans.

This National Historic Landmark was originally modeled after a French fortress, and was the entrance to St. Louis Union Station -- a passenger railroad terminal that opened its doors back in 1894. In 1985, a $150 million project facilitated the restoration of the terminal to its original look, complete with Romanesque arches, a 65-foot barrel vaulted ceiling, majestic stained glass windows, and a beautiful Tiffany stained glass "Allegorical Window," that represents the three major railroad cities during that era (see image at top of page). This area is now a stunning lobby.

"When first-time guests arrive, it can be difficult for our staff to greet them because they're so busy staring," says Lori Hess Coyne, Director of Sales and Marketing. "This is definitely not your typical business hotel."

Building blocks

The same strategy was applied to the recently opened Hyatt Regency Calgary in Canada. The hotel's Thomsons restaurant is housed in a building that dates back to 1893.

The original rough-hewn stone walls have been left untouched, as are the elaborate brick arches that lead to the open kitchen. The hotel has also incorporated two other historical landmarks into its impressive site. The Lineham Building, built in 1886, is now the spectacular four-story atrium lobby at Hyatt Regency Calgary. The Imperial Bank Building, also built in 1886, is attached to the atrium lobby, and will be a fine-dining restaurant opening in summer of 2001. Its rooftop patio garden is currently being utilized by Hyatt Regency Calgary.

"It's a great place to hold outdoor events because you have the awe-inspiring Calgary Tower looming over the rooftop, plus a wonderful view of our pedestrian mall below," says Director of Sales Andy Bishop.

The 355-room property has over 30,000 square feet of meeting space, including the largest ballroom in the city. It's also attached to the TELUS Convention Center that offers an additional 55,000 square feet of exhibit space.

The site of Hyatt Regency Cleveland is currently under renovation and will open in spring 2001. This brand-new 294-room property will be constructed in the historic Arcade building, originally developed by John D. Rockefeller more than 100 years ago. This prominent downtown landmark has been a mecca of activity for years and consists of two office towers and a five-story retail arcade shielded by a beautiful iron and glass skylight.

Our plans include restoring the exterior of the original building while totally revamping the interior to offer guests a more sophisticated look.

Once constructed, this magnificent property will house 12,000 square feet of meeting space, a 150-seat, full-service restaurant, a lobby lounge and a health club -- all located in the two office towers and the upper three floors of the Arcade.

"The Arcade was one of the first buildings in the country to have a central atrium," Nicolls says. "And, since Hyatt pioneered the modern atrium hotel, it's a natural fit for us."

Old look, new charm

Blessed with the beautiful Mississippi River at its doorstep, 97 guestrooms and five intimate meeting rooms with 3,500 square feet of space, Hyatt Whitney at St. Anthony Falls is the perfect example of our third strategic approach -- retaining the concrete framework while restoring the interior to re-create the simple elegance of the era.

Formerly The Standard Mill, built back in 1879, this building is one of only four mills still standing in the Minneapolis West Side Milling District, having survived a wave of mill closures in the 1930s.

Venture inside this sophisticated Hyatt property and you will notice the 19th century architecture remains in place, with stunning vaulted ceilings, a sweeping staircase and split-level guestrooms complete with a loft area.

And there's more

Other historic Hyatts include Hyatt Regency Buffalo and Hyatt on Printers Row in Chicago. These Hyatt hotels are one-of-a-kind treasures that will both pamper and intrigue your attendees. The next time you are planning a meeting, why not incorporate a history lesson into the agenda?

For more information on these and other Hyatt properties, visit www.hyatt.com.