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In Final Stages of a $22 million Renovation |
When plans were launched for the renovation, Massaro Company was chosen as the general contractor. While many changes have been made for the hotel, including some behind the scenes work to enhance the overall guest experience, the centerpieces of the renovation are the main lobby and the facade. Things got underway with the cleaning of the facade, as well as recasting and replacing the cornices. New canopies, designed in the likeness of the original canopies that graced the hotel when it opened in 1916, were installed at the Grant Street and William Penn Place entrances. MOVING INSIDE ... In April 2003, Massaro began renovations in the main lobby with 4,500 square feet of marble. Several different marbles were imported from four different countries. Gold marble squares were imported from Jerusalem and inlaid with rose marble hand-cut corner stones from Greece. The black marble in newly built pylons came from Africa, and a green marble from Italy will be used for the vanities in the ladies lobby restroom. Two hand-cut ornate medallions inlaid at the elevator banks and taking three days to handset are the focal point of the floors. Jorge de la Cova, project manager from architect and design firm, Culpepper, McAuliffe & Meaders, Inc. explained that seven filigrees were constructed in the likeness of the originals and installed in the arches around the perimeter of the lobby walls. New mirror backings were placed behind each to complete the look. de la Cova said that their goal was not to replicate the finishings and the furniture of the era when the hotel originally opened, but to maintain a respect for it in selecting the designs and furnishings. With that in mind, Jason Schleich, a designer with the firm, said that the furnishings for the lobby feature a classic English style. The lobby has also been reconfigured to create a central seating area featuring a large banquette in the center of a custom, hand-tufted oval rug from Thailand. A number of antique end tables, coffee tables and consoles that have long served the hotel will also be featured in the new area. The hotel has long been known for serving traditional high tea each day, and the tea area will now have mirror-image seating clusters with back-to-back sofas in a bold stripe complemented by a variety of occasional chairs. Although the three hand-cut Czechoslovakian chandeliers and ceiling have not been touched, a new lighting system has been installed to allow for the chandeliers to be dimmed. The intent of the lighting system is to spotlight and accent existing elements in the lobby such as the heavily ornate ceiling. Updates have also taken place in the retail and office space that houses 14 office and eight retail tenants. A new cyber cafe, the Amazon Cafe, is expected to open on the Grant Street side of the building sometime in September. Corridors and a conference room on the third floor are being redone and a $1.2 million upgrade to the HVAC system for the office space is being completed. The second floor office space (25,491 square feet) has been gutted and is available for lease. The lower lobby will also see the existing salon expand to a full service spa with the addition of four new specialized treatment rooms for facials and massages. New space will also house a shoeshine service and an ATM machine in the lower lobby area. STILL A new closed-in vestibule will be constructed on the Oliver Avenue side of the hotel. The Grant Street lobby, which is smaller but just as charming as the main lobby, will also be given a facelift with the new furniture and area rugs. Several meeting suites that are accessible from the Grant Street lobby will also be updated, and a new fitness center for guests is in the plans for next year. "The 'Grande Dame' is back!" said Reynolds. Omni Hotels is committed to this lovely hotel and great city. We anticipate additional renovations will continue over the next several years, and we look forward to each step in the process." ABOUT OMNI WILLIAM PENN HOTEL The Omni William Penn Hotel, with 596 rooms and 52,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space has served as Pittsburgh's premiere hotel since 1916. The opulence, striking beauty and charming presence of this historic landmark captivated guests from around the world. The hotel has long been considered the "Grande Dame" of the city and is known for attracting famous politicians, as well as stars of Hollywood past and present. Today, the Omni William Penn Hotel retains that heritage, while providing the latest in modern amenities and conveniences. ABOUT OMNI HOTELS Omni Hotels, based near Dallas in Irving, Texas, offers luxury accommodations at more than 40 hotels and resorts located throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. |
| Contact:
Lorraine Capozzi +1-412-281-3889 Omni Hotels |
| Also See: | Pittsburgh Officials May Create Nonprofit Agency to Float Tax-free Bonds for a 600 room $100 million Hotel Adjacent to Convention Center / October 2002 |
