On March 1, AZRE hosted the 7th Annual RED Awards reception at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix to recognize the most notable commercial real estate projects of 2011 and the construction teams involved. AZRE held an open call for nominations and a record 116 projects were submitted by architects, contractors, developers and brokerage firms in Arizona. This year, the winner for Best Hospitality Project was Westin Phoenix Downtown.
Best Hospitality Project
Westin Phoenix Downtown
Developer: National Real Estate Advisors
Contractor: Perini Building Company
Architect: Gensler (interior design)/SmithGroupJJR
Size: 185,000 SF
Location: 333 N. Central Ave., Phoenix
Completed: March, 2011
It took collaborative effort from the team of architects, interior designers and contractor to adapt and renovate the Westin Phoenix Downtown in just a year and a half. Located inside the Freeport-McMoRan Center, the hotel occupies floors 11 through 18. Ordinary office space was transformed into the first 5-star property in Downtown Phoenix. Amenities include a 3,000 SF ballroom, pool and deck, workout room and Province restaurant. Construction for the Westin consisted of adjusting and expanding the plumbing by drilling core holes and airlifting 750 gallons of hot water boilers to the roof. During the renovations, employee safety and convenience was adhered to. Perini Building Company did not disrupt the routine of the workers already in the building. The team incorporated energy efficiency through LED lighting and the use of a key card to disable unused electricity once a guest leaves the room. The interior design, provided by Gensler, evokes a natural feel, despite the unexpected location for a boutique hotel.
Video by Cory Bergquist
Honorable Mention
Casino del Sol Hotel Convention Center and Parking Structure Expansion
Developer: Casino del Sol
Contractor: McCarthy Building Companies
Architect: Leo A Daly
Size: 250,000 SF
Location: 5655 W. Valencia Rd., Tucson
Completed: November, 2011
Video by Cory Bergquist
RED Awards 2012 Winners & Finalists |
AZRE Magazine March/April 2012 |
