WASHINGTON, D.C.—Grosvenor, the international property development, investment and fund management group, is embarking on a $35 million renovation and re-branding of an old Holiday Inn hotel in Chevy Chase, Md. It closed earlier this year and will reopen as a Courtyard by Marriott in the spring of 2009. Grosvenor is seeking a Silver LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for the newly renovated hotel.
The renovation will include expanding the hotel from 214 to 226 rooms and creating 1,500 additional square feet of retail space just north of Saks Jandel with direct access to Wisconsin Avenue. Saks Jandel and other existing retail tenants at the adjacent Chevy Chase Plaza, which also is owned by Grosvenor, will remain open throughout the renovation.
“Our renovation project illustrates Grosvenor’s commitment to providing quality retail and hotel amenities in thriving urban neighborhoods,” said Mark Darley, senior vice president and general manager in Grosvenor’s Washington, D.C. office. “With an ever-increasing focus on the environment, we also are implementing many energy-saving measures within the hotel. This hotel was originally developed in 1970 and needs to be modernized to better serve the needs of today’s business and leisure traveler as well as the local community.”
A Green Transformation
The hotel’s energy efficiency and environmentally sustainable features will include a reflective roof; energy-efficient HVAC system and lighting; new energy-efficient windows; low-VOC adhesives, paints, carpets, and sealants; use of regionally sourced construction materials; construction demolition management; green housekeeping; a “bike-to-work” program for employees; low-flow showerheads and dual-flush toilets; and purchase of green power credits.
The Courtyard by Marriott in Chevy Chase will have an all-new outdoor swimming pool and deck, an updated appearance including larger windows, and a welcoming porte cochere with a feature canopy. Inside, guests will find a variety of amenities being introduced by Marriott as part of its Courtyard brand.
Courtyard by Marriott’s new lobby is designed for business, efficiency, and comfort. Flexible “welcome podiums” replace the traditional check-in desk. Inside the lobby, visitors can check out the interactive touch-screen GoBoard that provides a wealth of useful information including weather, local events, and restaurant recommendations, along with mapping capabilities.
Grosvenor acquired the 112,500-square-foot Holiday Inn in late 2004 as part of a 464,000-square-foot urban retail portfolio that had been assembled by Starwood Urban, LLC. The acquisition included the adjoining 40,000-square-foot Chevy Chase Plaza, home to prestigious retail tenants Brooks Brothers, Saks Jandel, Sylene’s and Bank of America. Grosvenor acquired a leasehold interest in the hotel in 2007.
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