HARTFORD, CT (September 25, 2003) – Governor John G. Rowland today marked a major step in his Hartford revitalization initiative, joining Waterford Group executives, financial investors and other dignitaries in the groundbreaking for the new Hartford Marriott Downtown. Developed by Waterford Group, LLC, the property will open in 2005 as the headquarters hotel of the Connecticut Convention Center, which is 45% complete. Governor Rowland and Len Wolman, chairman and CEO of Waterford Group, presented the completed architectural and interior design plans for the hotel, and opened two fully furnished model guest rooms prepared by Waterford Group in its downtown office building to showcase the new hotel in advance of its opening. “Today marks a major step in the completion of Connecticut’s most exciting and important business and tourism development, one that I am fully confident will make the state a major competitor on a national scale and help enhance Hartford as a vibrant and thriving destination,” said Gov. Rowland. “The Hartford Marriott Downtown, as an outstanding choice for business and leisure travelers alike, will play a vital role as the headquarters hotel of the new Connecticut Convention Center.” The $77 million luxury hotel is backed by an assembly of several financial institutions, each playing a significant role in the Hartford revitalization effort. Representatives from the Connecticut Development Authority, People’s Bank, Banknorth Connecticut, The Hartford Financial Services Group, The Savings Bank of Manchester, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Capital City Economic Development Authority (CCEDA), and the City of Hartford were all on hand at the event, underscoring their commitment to the project and the future of the City of Hartford. “It is a great privilege to be associated with the Governor’s office and the public and private sectors of Hartford and Connecticut on this ambitious and immensely important project. We are proud that the Hartford Marriott Downtown will be a key component of the largest conference and exhibition complex between Boston and New York,” said Wolman. “Waterford Group has embarked on a strategy of carefully planned growth to become a national player in the development and management of world-class properties and we are totally invested in demonstrating our commitment and capabilities here in Hartford.” The Hartford Marriott Downtown will initially offer 409 guestrooms and eight luxury suites, three food and beverage outlets and more than 13,500-square-feet of meeting space. There will also be a rooftop indoor swimming pool, spa and fitness center. The property, designed by Brennan Beer Gorman Architects, will ultimately feature more than 700 rooms. The interior design of the hotel, by Alexandra Champalimaud and Associates, seeks to emulate the style and atmosphere of the American grand hotel of the 19th century, while incorporating the history of New England and the character and heritage of Hartford, as well as contemporary 21st century concepts. The guest experience and the hotel’s style will be enhanced with details such as columns, high ceilings, lace-inspired mosaic floors, and a grand inverted glass dome. The Hartford Marriott Downtown will feature a Tuscan-style Italian dining experience, with a lofty beamed ceiling, contemporary wood tables and chairs, wood floors and plastered walls, as well as a Feature bar designed to satisfy both business and leisure travelers, as a place to relax and socialize in an animated atmosphere. Oversized ottomans and sofas, creating a residential feeling, will make the space a favorite among Hartford residents, as well as hotel guests. The hotel’s meeting space will complement and broaden the reach of the Connecticut Convention Center, while also functioning as a “stand-alone” meeting destination. An 8,500-square foot grand ballroom, divisible into five sections, will be the largest hotel ballroom in Hartford. Six additional meeting rooms include three executive boardrooms. State-of-the-art information technology and audiovisual equipment and services will be provided. Adjacent to the new hotel and Connecticut Convention Center will be the Front Street retail, residential, entertainment project, part of the Adriaen’s Landing complex of which Waterford Group is master developer. The Adriaen’s Landing development is part of Gov. Rowland’s broader Six Pillars of Progress revitalization strategy in Connecticut’s capital. Other elements of the program, including the renovation of the landmark G. Fox Building as a downtown college campus, the expansion of the riverfront park system, the opening of the new Rentschler Field Football Stadium, and the development of thousands of new parking spaces downtown have already been achieved. Also part of the initiative, hundreds of new apartments are under construction downtown, attractive neighborhood housing is being renovated, the redevelopment of the Hartford Civic Center Mall is nearing construction, and the Governor, Pfizer CEO Dr. Henry McKinnell and Yale University President Richard Levin are leading the effort to create a state-of-the-art science center downtown. Waterford recently opened the $47 million Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa, developed the Mohegan Sun casino and resort in Uncasville, and has developed and managed more than two dozen multi-flagged hotels, including the highly successful Marriott Residence Inn in Downtown Hartford. Waterford Hotel Group, a subsidiary of Waterford Group, will manage the new Hartford Marriott Downtown. Another subsidiary, Waterford Management, will operate the Connecticut Convention Center.
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