Quote:
Originally Posted by Human Scale
Which is ACTUALLY OK. BECAUSE: the second runner up was J.W. Marriott, a brand that would instantly take over because they wanted to be so close to their Mormon brethren. Yes Marriott is connected to the church.
The reason this is good for us is because J.W. Marriott is a proven AAA Five Diamond brand. Granted not all their properties have garnered Five Diamonds, but neither has every Four Seasons or every Ritz-Carlton. But I believe the ambitions for the Family Court Building were a Five Diamond caliber hotel on Logan Square? Circle? and a Five Diamond hotel for Philadelphia. Kimpton is a Four Diamond brand. I would have to research it but I don't believe they have ever earned a fifth diamond and this transformation would have just been an attempt by them. Or, even worse, they would set their goal at Four Diamond.
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Good point about the Marriott family connection to Mormonism. That could be a boost to getting this project done, if Kimpton is indeed out. If the LDS church gets involved, the project will surely happen, as they've proven to be "can do" folks. I've never stayed at a JW Marriott, but their reputation is indeed high-end. I was hoping that the old Four Seasons would become one (although The Logan looks like it's going to be great), and I think our city should absolutely have a hotel of that calibre. However, I wonder if the Family Court building is suitable? I guess so, because you suggest that JWM was a contender in the bidding won by the Kimpton project. Kimpton seemed like a good fit since they do a lot of projects in old, quirky buildings. Even if not a JW Marriott, maybe another Marriott brand would go there. Although not as "posh," I've been in some interesting Residence Inn and Courtyard conversions of old buildings.
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