I sent another email to MOH and I got this response...
Below is the email coorespondande.
To: Katie McCall
Subject: Re: RE: Possible Chicago Location for your hotels...
Ms. McCall-
I wanted to thank you very much about the press release you sent to me. It was very helpful. I can't wait to see this tower get built.
There is so much happening here in Chicago in terms of architecture and construction right now, and it's fascinating watching the skyline change before my eyes.
I was wondering, is there a rendering of the tower available? I'd like to see how the design looks and what the quality of the architecture is. I have faith in Solomon Cordwell Buenz & Associates. They've been doing some wonderful designs lately.
Another question that I have, is when does Mandarin Oriental plan for construction to begin?
One thing I find interesting is the location of this project. The building is going to be build at the corner of Lake and Stetson, and I don't know if you are familiar with Chicago, but in that area you have the the city's 2nd and 5th tallest, and the Mandarin Tower will be somewhat hidden in the skyline. What was the reason for the choice of this location?
I hope that you can answer some of these questions, and I do hope to hear back from you.
Butler V. Adams
Architecture Student
THE RESPONSE
Dear Butler,
At this time, there is not a rendering available. Answers to your other questions are below.
* When will Mandarin Oriental, Chicago open?
Mandarin Oriental, Chicago is scheduled to open in early 2008.
* Why Chicago?
Chicago is clearly another "brand-defining" world city and is the second largest financial center in the US. Chicago is a key destination for US and global business travelers, and has a thriving leisure market with museums, shopping, fine dining and many cultural and tourist attractions. Transportation to and from this important Midwestern U.S. city is among the most accessible in the world; Chicago's O'Hare Airport handles more than 55,000 domestic flights and 7,000 international flights a month - with more passengers than any other international airport.
§ As an important world city, Chicago can support a true luxury hotel such as Mandarin Oriental and we will be ale to command excellent average rates.
* Why did MOHG pick the Millennium Park area?
The Millennium Park area offers a remarkable location in the heart of Chicago's growing business district, close to the Financial District, as well as shopping along the Magnificent Mile, amongst other key attractions.
Millennium Park itself is an exciting new icon for the city of Chicago, with world-class art, music, stunning architecture and landscape design, as well as the most sophisticated outdoor concert venue of its kind in the United States, designed by renowned American architect, Frank Gehry.
The hotel is also ideally placed for easy access to McCormick Place, the largest convention facility in America. The area is also serviced by a well-developed transport infrastructure, including direct Pedway access from the development. The hotel is part of a 1.2 million square-foot mixed-use development, with deluxe condominiums as well as upscale retail shops within the building.
* Who are your partners?
The project is being developed by Illinois Center Development, LLC (ICDG), a private investment partnership formed by the development team of Frank Leo and Gerard Kenny of Chicago, Illinois. Mr. Kenny's firm Kenny Construction Company will be leading construction of the overall project.
* Who are the architects, and interior designers?
The award-winning firm of Solomon Cordwell Buenz (SCB) will be lead architect coordinating with Patrick Danan of ICDG. The interior design firm will be appointed shortly.
I guess that they know what they want. I will try to kee in contact with her guys to try to obtain a rendering when one is available.
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titanic1
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