NEWH - April 2006 - (Page 15)

giving back to move ahead the benefits of thinking beyond the property line by Robin Holt, AIA, Director, Callison Getting a hotel built or expanded is an increasingly complex matter, thanks to an ever more vigilant and demanding public process that scrutinizes projects from every angle. This closer examination is both official, in the form of city planning, design review and regulatory entities, and private, such as environmental, neighborhood or other special interest groups. Everyone, it seems, has a vision about how your project will either help or harm their cause and will seek to influence it accordingly. Especially given a hotel’s enlivening affect on its environs, planning authorities often see hotel development as an opportunity to improve the economic and cultural welfare of their city, while other contingents might see problems caused by increased traffic or blocked views. your capital investment. But it doesn’t have to be this way. The key is to engage the groups early, and think beyond the property line. Though it’s hard not to think of these groups and their demands as a hindrance to progress, our experience shows that the opposite is more often true. Frequently, what may be first perceived as a concession on the owner’s part can be turned into an opportunity – more favorable lease terms for example, or a major public relations boost. The downside is usually a matter of time: design review boards and other special interest groups can make for a lengthy review and entitlement process that eats away at Sheraton Seattle: A Case Study Callison’s work with Sheraton on a major expansion in downtown Seattle illustrates this strategy in action. Background The Sheraton is located in the heart of Seattle’s shopping district. Built in the 1970s, the hotel is owned by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., MetLife and 7th Avenue Associates, a local investment company that is also the group’s managing partner. 15

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of NEWH - April 2006

NEWH - April 2006
Letter From the President
Upfront
Contents
Hospitality News
Insights From ALIS 2006
Giving Back to Move Ahead
Lead by Example and Touch
Developments of the Future Will Focus on the Emotional Connection
NEWH Sessions at HD Expo
NEWH/Los Angeles Founding Chapter 2005 Gala Fundraiser
Innovative Sales Event Mirrors Innovative Market Trends
Coming Events
IH/M&RS Gold Key Awards Honor Leaders in Hospitality Design
All That Glitters … Is You!
Contributors

NEWH - April 2006