WASHINGTON, D.C. - Hines, the international real estate firm, Qatari Diar, the real estate development entity of the Qatar Investment Authority (the co-developers of CityCenterDC), Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Worldwide's (NYSE: HLT) smart luxury hotel brand, and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser confirmed today the start of construction of the Conrad Washington, D.C., a 360-room luxury hotel with 30,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space at CityCenterDC; the landmark 10-acre, mixed-use development located in the heart of the nation's capital. Initial occupancy for the hotel is expected in the first quarter of 2019.
In addition, Hines, Qatari Diar, and Conrad Hotels & Resorts are pleased to announce that Chef Bryan Voltaggio, of Frederick, MD, will be the signature chef for the hotel restaurant, responsible for the concept and menu. Voltaggio is the executive chef and owner (with his business partner, Hilda Staples) of several acclaimed restaurants in Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Maryland, including VOLT, RANGE, AGGIO, Lunchbox, and Family Meal. A James Beard Foundation Award finalist, Voltaggio was also a finalist on Top Chef Season 6 and Top Chef Masters Season 5, and is the co-author of VOLT.Ink and author of HOME.
The Conrad Washington, D.C. marks the seventh building developed by Hines and Qatari Diar at CityCenterDC. Not only does this represent an additional investment by Hines and Qatari Diar in the CityCenter project, it demonstrates the continued commitment to long-term investment in the nation's capital.
The Conrad Washington, D.C. will further enhance the architectural excellence at CityCenterDC. The lead designers for the Conrad Washington, D.C. are Herzog & de Meuron, led by five senior partners including Pritzker Prize Laureates Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron, with HKS Architects, Inc. as architect of record. The elegant hotel interiors are being designed by Rottet Studio. Turner Construction Company is the project's general contractor.
"We are excited to break ground on the Conrad Washington, D.C. because it means more jobs and opportunities for District residents and businesses," said Mayor Bowser. "This development is another positive signal of our growing economy and our emergence as a national leader in hospitality and tourism."
"We are thrilled with the opportunity to continue our successful partnership with Qatari Diar on our additional investment in the Conrad Washington, D.C.," said Hines Managing Director Michael Allen, project officer for the Hines/Qatari Diar master developer team.
Commenting on behalf of Qatari Diar Americas, Fabien Toscano, chief executive officer, said, "Commencement of construction on the Conrad Washington, D.C. is a historic milestone for the CityCenterDC project. With exceptional hotel rooms and exclusive retail elements, this new venture is in keeping with our vision of reflecting local characteristics and influences to create a destination designed to enhance the experience of everyone who stays and visits, and to inspire the way they choose to live, work and play for future generations. We are excited for this next phase of the project as we continue to watch it grow into a world-class development set to become a new landmark in one of the world's most influential cities."
"We are also pleased to work with Hilton Worldwide as our hotel partner at CityCenterDC," said Hines Managing Director Jonathan Fuisz. "The Conrad flag has an excellent reputation in the luxury segment, both domestically and internationally, and we are excited to bring the brand to D.C."
"Conrad is known for creating inspired experiences for our guests in gateway cities and the most sought-after destinations," said John Vanderslice, global head, Conrad Hotels & Resorts. "Washington, D.C. is one of the few epicenters of political, cultural and economic power in the world, which makes this future hotel the perfect destination for global luxury travelers. We look forward to working with Hines and Qatari Diar introducing Conrad Washington, D.C. to the nation's capital."
The initial phase of CityCenterDC is comprised of 191,000 square feet of retail space, 216 for-sale residential units, 458 apartment units, 522,000 square feet of office space, and public open space that was initially occupied in December 2013. CityCenter's master plan design was led by London-based Foster + Partners, the internationally acclaimed studio for architecture, design and planning, which also designed the office and residential condominium buildings.
The Conrad Washington, D.C. will add an additional 30,000 square feet of retail space that will complement the already successful luxury retail component of the first phase of CityCenterDC. CityCenterDC features a unique mix of local, national and international retail brands, cafes and restaurants with extensive street frontage. Several retail tenants have already entered into negotiations for space in the Conrad Washington, D.C. project.
Hines and Qatari Diar have committed to certain goals established for the project with the District of Columbia for employment of D.C. residents and utilization of District-based businesses:
- Job Creation. Conservatively, the project is estimated to create more than 450 full-time positions during the development and construction period. Following construction, 350 permanent full-time positions are anticipated, along with approximately 200 indirect "spin-off" jobs created as a result of the impact of the project on the surrounding community.
- First Source Commitment. At least 51 percent of new hires related to the design and construction of the project will be District residents.
- CBE Commitment. The development will create significant opportunities for District of Columbia Certified Business Entities (CBE). At least 35 percent of eligible development and construction services will be performed using CBE contractors. CBE development and construction related contracting is estimated to be more than $60 million. In addition, CBE equity partners own 20 percent of the developer equity in the project.
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