[T-Stan]

I just heard over the weekend about a Hotel that will be built in SLC. - that as my source told me "nobody has heard about"

It will be located in the block south of Energy Solutions Arena (Delta Center) and will be a great addition to the city. I have no idea of the size and specs. I will add more if I hear anything.

The name of the Hotel starts with a W.... and is only one letter long.

http://i18.tinypic.com/400gvlx.jpg

[Utaaah!]

A 7-story La Quinta was rumored for that site a few years back. A "W" would be a big step up. It's a great location -- near Gateway, the ES Arena, the Salt Palace, etc. I hope it's tall. I really like the new one here in Dallas:

http://www.condohotelcenter.com/images/w-dallas.jpg

[wrendog]

a 15-20 story hotel would be nice there

[Wasatch_One]

where do these rumors come from? I have heard that zoning limits height of buildings immediately around the Gateway

[N2I.F.]

This sounds like great news!:tup: I'll celebrate when it opens.:cheers:

Starwood has been trying to enter as a major player in the SLC Market for over 10 years. They were suppose to have built the 1,000 room hotel prior to the Olympics, close to this location.:cool:

Maybe they will finally make it work with a "W". And it would be great to have a "W" so close to the ESA, to remind and inspire the home team.

[Makid]

My understanding is that the Zoning ordinance only affects buildings from 4th West to I-15 for height. And from 4th west to 3rd west for ground level glass requirements.

I will try to find the exact information regarding the ordinances surrounding the gateway district.

However, I do think it would be a great location for a good size hotel of 1000 plus rooms.

[delts145]

First, We hear of a Frank Gehry tallest in Lehi and now a major W hotel downtown. I'll be pretty excited if just one of these pans out to be real.

New W for Shanghai
http://www.asiatraveltips.com/newspics/0511/WShanghaiPudong.jpg
San Francisco
http://www.hornbergerworstell.com/portfolio/section1/site2/big_images/i1.jpg
New York
http://www.preservenys.org/images/W%20Hotel.jpg

[Makid]

http://www.slcgov.com/CED/planning/documents/MasterPlans/Gateway/GatewaySpecificMasterPlan.pdf is the link for the gateway master plan. It does extend from 3rd west to I-15. So if they do want to build a large hotel on the site, they would need a waiver for building height from the planning commission.

I still would love a large hotel there.

[delts145]

Wow, look at this one opening in Vegas in 2008!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.lasvegasrealestate.com/images/w_s.jpg

[jedikermit]

Great news--I hope the rumors pan out. That site's perfect for a hotel--close to the Gateway, restaurants, the Convention Center...it's long overdue.

[Comrade Reynolds]

It'll probably be a smaller hotel, maybe only 5 stories is my bet.

[T-Stan]

Here is the W Hotel Seattle... this would look nice on that corner

http://www.sparling.com/media/portfolio/hospitality/whotel_big.jpg

[SLC Projects]

Cool, this is great news. Right now on that site is just a one story building that i don't think it's even being used. For years I would drive by that site for a Jazz game or just whatever and would think to myself that coner would be a great spot for a hotel since it would be close to gateway and delta center. That's right i'm still calling it the delta center. and the salt palace.
But i have never heared of "W" before. Does it mean anything? :shrug:
I sure do like looking at all the pics of the "W" hotel. They seem like they built nothing but tall hotels so if that's true then let's hope they built a tall one here as well.

Great news on hotels these past few weeks with that tall hotel that could be built in Lehi and that 14-story hotel in PG. And now this. :tup:

[SLC Projects]

It'll probably be a smaller hotel, maybe only 5 stories is my bet.

5 stories, that would be lame. :yuck: Let's make it at least 20-stories. :yes:

[terryaki]

Where is this source from and how credible is it?

A W?!? To be frank, I'm highly skeptical. No offense to fellow Salt Lakers, but it just seems very.... out of character for Starwood Hotels (the parent company) to be considering SLC as a new location. W Hotel is all about urban youth and modernism, which is something I really don't correllate with Salt Lake City (unfortunately). Starwood building a Westin I can definitely see, but not W. Needless to say, if this rumor turns out to be true, then it would be a very, very good thing for our city.

[delts145]

Where is this source from and how credible is it?

A W?!? To be frank, I'm highly skeptical. No offense, but I'm seeing people conclude that we're getting one of the premier hotel brands in the entire world when we don't even have a confirmed source. We don't even have a Westin or Hyatt so what makes people think that we're going to get a W? If this turns out to be true, I will be shocked.

Terryaki, I don't know how credible the rumor is but it makes total sense to me. Starwood Hotelier's planned to put a hotel in before the olympics but the
Grand was built instead. Compared to the Grand, the Hyatt or Westin are
fairly commercial grade. Also, the last time our hotel occupancy levels were at this rate was when the Grand,Marriott Center and Monaco were announced.
One of the lowest vacancy rates in the nation, now one of the finest conventions centers in the nation and a multi-billion dollar lifestyle/commercial center coming on line. This week alone we have a 30,000 member convention downtown and one of the world's two most prestigious film festivals set to begin, which will draw thousands of glitterati and world tourists,not to mention that we are once again setting records at our urban ski-resorts. The announcement of a major upscale hotel to serve the Salt Palace should come as a NO BRAINER.

[Northernlad]

Where is this source from and how credible is it?

A W?!? To be frank, I'm highly skeptical. No offense to fellow Salt Lakers, but it just seems very.... out of character for Starwood Hotels (the parent company) to be considering SLC as a new location. W Hotel is all about urban youth and modernism, which is something I really don't correllate with Salt Lake City (unfortunately). Starwood building a Westin I can definitely see, but not W. Needless to say, if this rumor turns out to be true, then it would be a very, very good thing for our city.

It would be a very nice addition but I don't think Salt Lake has the image either that this Hotel chain looks for when building these trendy hotels. I could see a smaller scale "W" in Park City (maybe), but not SLC. But, a hotel on that space would be great no matter what brand name it may end up being. They would have to design a pretty conservative hotel to fit in with SLC. The images of W like the ones posted here and the ones I have seen in large cities would look out of place in SLC. But maybe we will be surprised.

[delts145]

The Monaco is considered anything but conservative and it has been HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL.

[Wasatch_One]

Starwood was the planned hotelier for the (now) St. Regis in Park City when it was originally announced...

[CoVol]

Where is this source from and how credible is it?

A W?!? To be frank, I'm highly skeptical. No offense to fellow Salt Lakers, but it just seems very.... out of character for Starwood Hotels (the parent company) to be considering SLC as a new location. W Hotel is all about urban youth and modernism, which is something I really don't correllate with Salt Lake City (unfortunately). Starwood building a Westin I can definitely see, but not W. Needless to say, if this rumor turns out to be true, then it would be a very, very good thing for our city.

I think SLC is a great city, but you're right. Starwood is VERY picky with the location of their W brand. However, there is another possibility.

In 2005 Starwood launched a new slightly more mass-market hotel called Aloft....what it calls a 'Vision' of their W hotel. It is built under the W umbrella and is considered to be the child of the W. Sharing the W's DNA according to the website.

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/alofthotels/index.html

Here's a section from their pre-launch press release. They hadn't released the name yet, so just replace all the XYZ's with Aloft.
----------------------

STARWOOD HOTELS UNVEILS NEW BRAND
With the DNA of W Hotels, “Project XYZ” to Introduce Style, Design and Whimsy
at Comfortable Rates

New York, NY, June 6, 2005. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) will debut a new hotel brand to provide style, design and energy at comfortable rates. Currently referred to as “Project XYZ”, the brand is being developed by the team that created W Hotels, widely regarded as the most successful new hotel brand in decades. Sharing some of the characteristics of what the industry refers to as select service, XYZ will create a new category leveraging its W lineage and delivering a unique lifestyle experience which has been historically absent at this end of the hotel spectrum. Starwood is unveiling an experiential room to introduce the new brand to select real estate developers attending this week’s New York University International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference.

W’s heritage will be evident throughout XYZ’s properties, from sight, smell, touch, sound and taste, to the integrity of design and materials, and will redefine the select service category in the same way W Hotels broke through the clutter of conformity in the upscale hotel arena.XYZ will feature urban inspired loft-like guest-rooms, landscaped outdoor space for socializing day and night, and an energetic lounge scene, providing a lifestyle alternative to brands like Courtyard by Marriott and Hilton Garden Inn.

“Affordable doesn’t have to be boring as brands like Jet Blue, Mini Cooper, West Elm and Target have proven so brilliantly,” said Steven J. Heyer, Starwood’s Chief Executive Officer. “With the DNA of W, XYZ will democratize design, and offer guests an environment that is extraordinarily social, striking a chord with travelers who crave style and fun on the road, even beyond the boutique trifecta of New York, Miami and Los Angeles.”

First “XYZ” Hotels Scheduled to Open in 2007 and more than 500 by 2015

Starwood’s XYZ concept was born of demand by developers looking to build a W-inspired product at a lower price point in cities like Raleigh-Durham, Tampa, Minneapolis, Palo Alto and Cambridge, MA. Even before formally announcing the concept, Starwood has received letters of interest from more than a dozen of the industry’s premier hotel developers to build more than 100 new XYZ hotels. In addition, the Canyon-Johnson Urban Funds, a joint venture between Canyon Capital Realty Advisors and Earvin Magic Johnson, have signed an expression of interest to develop XYZ properties in densely populated, ethnically diverse cities like Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, New York and San Diego. The Canyon Johnson Urban Funds are the country’s largest private real estate funds focused on the development of urban properties in underserved neighborhoods. The first XYZ hotels are anticipated to break ground early next year and open in early 2007.

[jedikermit]

Interesting...I see that as more likely than a W...then again, I'll hope for all this stuff to happen, but seeing is believing.

And put me down in the 10 stories-ish category.

[N2I.F.]

Having stayed in a couple of W's over the last few years, and dozens of visits to other Starwood properties, I think a W would fit into SLC's skyline quite nicely. There may be a target group, for which W markets to have frequent their bar area even as a local. When I've been a guest at a W hotel, it's been my experience that the guests were of adults of all ages. The rooms were large and great! The bed, was heavenly! The Ws didn't have little kids runnng around, like other Starwood properties where I've stayed.

IMHO, if a 1,000 room hotel is built on this spot, some of the main attractons would be the ESA's various events, the Convention Center plus the Gateway. I won't be surprised, if this rumor is true, to see a "W" -themed hotel. Currently, guests who enjoy a more adult atmosphere are beng forced to stay at mostly family friendly hotels locally. I doubt we can really estimate the need for a sophisticated hotel like a W, based on the compostion of current guests in other hotels. It appears to me that all the hotels which offer unique features and services, such as the Moncao or Grande, are doing well.

I believe tourism in SLC is a large enough industry, let alone the growing conventions market, that more diverse hotels will appeal to more who think about SLC as their city of choice. It may not be a 1,000 rooms, but this hotel will be unique providing a different atmosphere than others currenty do. That is, of course, assumng this rumor is true.

[i-215]

I would like to it be shorter so it doesn't block the view of the rest of the skyline. Taller stuff would look good around 4th south and main.

[delts145]

I would like to it be shorter so it doesn't block the view of the rest of the skyline. Taller stuff would look good around 4th south and main.

It would be great if the skyline would advance from East to West instead of vice-versa. We probably won't have that luxury of choice though. :shrug:

[PHX602]

Here's the W Phoenix proposed next door to the US Airways Center. They are working out some legal issues with a historic preservation group over a building currently on the site but it should get underway sometime this year.

Approved at 450 feet
http://img387.imageshack.us/img387/484/whotelbi6.png

[jmonkey]

I'll just keep my fingers crossed that this is true! I don't know if it would be the big convention center hotel we're hoping for though, more a mid-sized hotel, maybe 200 feet. But it could be quite a stunning 200 feet!

[delts145]

Here's the W Phoenix proposed next door to the US Airways Center. They are working out some legal issues with a historic preservation group over a building currently on the site but it should get underway sometime this year.

Approved at 450 feet
http://img387.imageshack.us/img387/484/whotelbi6.png

PHX602, I'm curious as to the deal with the historical structure. Is it significant, and will it be demolished or moved?

[PHX602]

PHX602, I'm curious as to the deal with the historical structure. Is it significant, and will it be demolished or moved?

The structure is the Sun Mercantile building built in 1929, it's the last remaining landmark left of Phoenix's 1920s Chinatown. Here's a good article that goes into detail about the situation.

http://news.asianweek.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=ec7321e0bf1b28d321d2d81214fbcd23&this_category_id=178

[delts145]

:previous:

:tup: :tup: PHX602, Thanks for the excellant info. Good read!

[SLC Projects]

I'll just keep my fingers crossed that this is true! I don't know if it would be the big convention center hotel we're hoping for though, more a mid-sized hotel, maybe 200 feet. But it could be quite a stunning 200 feet!


A 200 foot tower would look great in that area. :tup: Let's hope this is all true.

[shrek05]

There's another W brand known as "aloft" that could possibly be the one they are talking about.

[wrendog]

I don't care what the name of the hotel is, as long as it's tall! :)

[SLC Projects]

There's another W brand known as "aloft" that could possibly be the one they are talking about.

Yea, someone ( I forgot who ) was saying that same thing on the first page of this thread.

I'm thinking if it is a "aloft" insteed of the "W" then the hotel will not be that tall. Like only 5-stories. I don't care what it is. I just want it to be tall and cool looking. :yes:

[SLC Projects]

I don't care what the name of the hotel is, as long as it's tall! :)

LoL, I was just saying that in my last post. ( we most of done our posts at the same time ) Good call wrendog. :tup:

[Comrade Reynolds]

If it's Aloft, chances are it'll be about 5 or so stories. It's bacially their version of the Homewood Suites just west of Pioneer Park right by the Rio Grande. It's not going to be tall, just a typical 5-story style hotel.

[jedikermit]

Honestly, ANY new hotel in that area would be an asset to the community. It's ridiculous that conventions don't have the hotel rooms they need to room their attendees--if the hotels are built, people will come.

[delts145]

I agree with you Jedi that any nice hotel of five stories or whatever would be excellant in that area. I still think that a major convention hotel will be announced for the Salt Palace in the near future also.

[jedikermit]

Yeah. If this isn't THE major hotel, there'll be one added to the area soon enough.

Not soon enough for ME, but still.

[SLC Projects]

I agree. Even if it's only 5-stories. That's still beats having a one story building that is on that coner now.
Besides we need a 5-6 story hotel to replace the Inn at temple sq. LOL.

[i-215]

http://img387.imageshack.us/img387/484/whotelbi6.png


:previous:

Ewww!!!!! I don't want something like that in our skyline! I mean, I'm ready to let post-modernism go, but the thing's still got to have 90 degree angles!

[PHX602]

Well that isn't the best rendering.

http://www.nitnelav.com/WHotel/W1.JPG

http://www.nitnelav.com/WHotel/W4.JPG

http://www.nitnelav.com/WHotel/W2.JPG

http://www.nitnelav.com/WHotel/W5.JPG

I personally don't see how any skyscraper enthusiast wouldn't want this building in their skyline.

[delts145]

PHX602, yes those pics give you a much better feel. I like it a lot,but I do think it fits better with an area like Miami or yes definately Phoenix. Phoenix has much more of a Sun and beautiful palm tree feel. Its a very elegant building.

[Happy Valley Freak]

http://img387.imageshack.us/img387/484/whotelbi6.png


:previous:

Ewww!!!!! I don't want something like that in our skyline! I mean, I'm ready to let post-modernism go, but the thing's still got to have 90 degree angles!

ya I don't like it either it's just a rectangle, we need something with a little more umph!

[jedikermit]

I like it--but it does have a more tropical feel to it.

Or "Meet George Jetson..."

[SLC Projects]

It's alright, But looks to be out of place like the building itself is off balance. I would be scared to stay on the top floor on a windy night.

[jedikermit]

That's what I like about it. It looks more daring than it actually is.

[SeattleBoy]

A "W" for SLC would be great, but I agree with the guy above that Aloft would probably be a better fit. Westin is more conservative and would be more likely, and contrary to a comment above, they earn every 1 one of their 5 stars for comfort & luxury, and SLC doesn't have a five star hotel at this point. Grand America is a 5 "diamond" hotel rated by AAA, which really wouldn't fly with hotels in London and Paris. The star system is an internationally accepted system for rating restaurants, hotels & resorts around the world. Starwood is launching a new brand of 5 star luxury hotels called "1" Hotel & Residences, with the first to be built in Seattle and then followed by Paris I believe. It bills itself as the first 5 star luxury hotel that is eco friendly and environmentally sustainable. The link is below with a rendering and description. Keep us posted on what brand is going to be built in SLC, and no matter which it is, it will be a great addition to the city!

http://www.djc.com/news/ae/11183489.html

[i-215]

It's alright, But looks to be out of place like the building itself is off balance. I would be scared to stay on the top floor on a windy night.

Here here! The newer renderings look more practical, which I like, and I do like the overall look of the building, but I don't like how it looks ready to fall in the street.

Heck, with our risk for earthquakes, that percieved center of gravity is just asking for it.

[delts145]

http://www.denver-cityscape.com/images/hyatt101405-3.JPG

Denver's new Hyatt convention center hotel. I like its height and size, but it seems a little too Soviet style austere to me. Definately has the room capacity needed here for the Salt Palace.

[SLC Projects]

That's what we need for downtown salt lake is a Hyatt Hotel. I like the new one in Denver.

[PHX602]

ya I don't like it either it's just a rectangle, we need something with a little more umph!

Rectangle is better than notangle.:bowtie:

Take a look at the other renderings I posted, that one is a very early version that was stretched and skewed to grab your attention. Anyways, back to SLC, I'll keep checking back to see if this rumor becomes true.:hmmm:

[delts145]

Rectangle is better than notangle.:bowtie:

Take a look at the other renderings I posted, that one is a very early version that was stretched and skewed to grab your attention. Anyways, back to SLC, I'll keep checking back to see if this rumor becomes true.:hmmm:

:tup: I agree with you there PHX, especially when I think of the @#&*%! at Hamilton Partners. I like the design, I would just adjust the color palate for this area. Say more like The Summit at Copper Square.

[SLC Projects]

:tup: I agree with you there PHX, especially when I think of the @#&*%! at Hamilton Partners. I like the design, I would just adjust the color palate for this area. Say more like The Summit at Copper Square.


%&$#$* Hamilton Partners, those guys make me so mad. :hell:

[Viperlord]

http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/9729/slclaquinta3dj.jpg

[wrendog]

lol.. so it goes from a "W" to a la quinta? now that's funny

[delts145]

I'm looking for a convention hotel myself, "a major tower!!" Oh well, another tourist hotel in that spot is okay. It's definately a lot better than what is there now,and like we were saying before, "a few good stories of nice infill will be fine there."

[delts145]

Actually, I guess that size footprint would mean they are probably going to go up a few more stories. La Quinta does have quite a few 10 story plus towers in downtown locations.

[Utaaah!]

I mentioned early in this thread that La Quinta had planned a 7-story hotel on this site a few years ago. Starwood doesn't own the La Quinta brand, so if this is going to be a Starwood property, the plans may have changed.

[delts145]

Utaaah, I looked more closely at Viperlords post. The graphic reads active. So now I am assuming this would be La Quinta selling that lot not building on it. :shrug:

[wrendog]

viper knows something we don't, and he needs to share.. now..

please? ;)

[delts145]

Agreed,

Viperlord, Your being a big tease again. Did I tell you I have relatives from Sicilia? You woulda like to meeta them? :tup: Specialmente Gianni Lucese. Che sympatico e Gianni. :haha:

[Utaaah!]

Dove abita questa Gianni? Forse lo conosco. Io trascorro' due anni nella Sicilia come missionario. E' una isla bella e storica. Purtroppo, non parlo la lingua spesso ahora. Ciao, Paesano.

Regarding the La Quinta property: I seriously doubt we'll see a La Quinta there. I'm hoping for something much nicer and taller.

[Viperlord]

I honestly do not know anything about this property guys. I just found this ad for the property while searching through the NAI site. Also the county recorders site still has

909 HIDDEN RIDGE #600 IRVING TX

as the mailing address for the property owner... which is la quinta.

[Viperlord]

so... they may be in the process of selling.... who knows...

[strippadam]

As a realtor myself. I researched this property quickly. La Quinta has posted the property for Sale. To me this means that they are working with other hotel groups hopefully Starwood to purchase the land. Frankly i don't care what goes in as long as the land sales and the building in replacement is much much better then a parking lot!

[delts145]

As a realtor myself. I researched this property quickly. La Quinta has posted the property for Sale. To me this means that they are working with other hotel groups hopefully Starwood to purchase the land. Frankly i don't care what goes in as long as the land sales and the building in replacement is much much better then a parking lot!

:tup: Yes, and soon!!

[delts145]

Dove abita questa Gianni? Forse lo conosco. Io trascorro' due anni nella Sicilia come missionario. E' una isla bella e storica. Purtroppo, non parlo la lingua spesso ahora. Ciao, Paesano.

Regarding the La Quinta property: I seriously doubt we'll see a La Quinta there. I'm hoping for something much nicer and taller.

:haha: Utaaah, Ma, che piacere di sentire che sei stato in Italia! E anche come un missionario in Sicilia. Capisco bene come no ce l'opportunita di parlare molto la lingua. Per me, sono veramente Parigino, ma anche ho fato io un missione in Italia a Roma,et anche in Padova per un anno quando hanno fato un altro missione. Ad un volta abitavo in Italia. Questi sono tanti anni fa. Anyway, I do have extended Italian family from Rome, so that keeps me throughly Italianized even though I'm French. Every once in a while we'll have to throw each other Italianism's.

:haha: Guarda, che bella luna!! Remember that in Moonstruck? They nailed the Italianism's in that movie!! Do you find yourself always missing Italy? Nothing gets under your skin more than La Bella Italia.

[Utaaah!]

Non ho visto Moonstruck -- forse la dovrei mirare. Mi manca l'Italia, ma mi manca la Germania di piu'. Abitavo in Germania per sette anni ante de la missione (a Catania). Abitavo nella Ingleterra per due anni anche. Ho visitato la Francia alcune volte. Mi piace tutta l'Europa.

Sorry about the Italian, folks -- I don't mean to alienate you, but it's a beautiful langauge and a pleasure to speak (and write). Moving on, I'd like to see a hotel like New York's Millenium Hilton (see below) built near the Salt Palace, either on the La Quinta site, the Greyhound site, or in Arrow Press Square. I've stayed there a couple times and think it's the perfect layout for a small floorplate. No need for in-house conference facilities with the large, versitile convention center across the street. The Millenium Hilton rises 58 floors and houses 569 guest rooms. Because the old AT&T building blocks views to the east, most guest rooms, including all those on the lower floors, face west (overlooking Ground Zero). Without such constraints in Salt Lake, the number of units could easily be increased by mirroring the floorplan on the east side of the elevator lobby -- essentially placing two of these hotels back-to-back. So there you have it: my vision of a convention headquarters hotel in DTSLC. Of course, the architects could dress it up a bit, instead of parking a big black box in the middle of the city.

http://www.newyorkhotels247.com/tumbs/millenium.jpg

[jedikermit]

That looks like the monolith in "2001." I like it. It'd be a cool design for SLC.

[SLC Projects]

What ever goes on that coner a "W" or "La Quinta" or whatever just as long as it's tall. :tup:

[DevdogAZ]

:tup: I agree with you there PHX, especially when I think of the @#&*%! at Hamilton Partners. I like the design, I would just adjust the color palate for this area. Say more like The Summit at Copper Square.

Yes, a building of the size and color of the Summit on that property south of the Delta Center would be awesome. I'll be rooting for SLC to get a W. There definitely needs to be some additional hotel space downtown, and with the way the demographics in SLC are changing, I think a hotel of the W's caliber would be a homerun.