Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. and New Orleans-based KFK Group (KFK) have announced an agreement to open a new Starwood managed Westin hotel in the heart of downtown Dallas, Texas. The Westin Dallas Downtown will open by December 2015 as part of an adaptive re-use project that will transform the landmark “One Main Place” complex into the city’s newest lifestyle development. Construction has already begun, following KFK’s acquisition of the one million square foot building in March of last year. The Westin Dallas Downtown will feature 323 luxurious guest rooms and extensive meeting facilities in a prime location.
“This exciting adaptive re-use project will reintroduce the world-renowned Westin brand to downtown Dallas and play an important role in the ongoing revitalization of the city’s urban core,” said Brian Povinelli, Global Brand Leader for Westin Hotels & Resorts and Le Méridien Hotels. “The Westin Dallas Downtown will attract both business and leisure travelers seeking to recharge and revitalize with the help of the Westin brand’s signature programs and amenities, designed to send them home feeling better than when they arrived.”
“We are thrilled to develop The Westin Dallas Downtown at One Main and expect to attract a variety of travelers with an innovative and welcoming environment,” said KFK Group’s CEO, Elie Khoury. “KFK appreciates the Westin brand’s distinctive wellness positioning. The new hotel will meet the demand for high-quality lodging, and we are pleased to partner with Starwood in providing the level of hospitality guests have come to expect.”
The Westin Dallas Downtown will anchor the redevelopment of the landmark office building known as “One Main Place.” Ideally situated in the heart of Dallas on both Main Street and Elm Street, the vertical mixed-use property will feature a dedicated hotel entrance parallel to Elm Street and a second floor hotel lobby in the former banking hall. Hotel facilities will include a three meal restaurant, a contemporary bar and more than 27,000 square feet of meeting space including a primary ballroom overlooking the eastern courtyard. A one-of-a-kind glass-enclosed event space in the large western courtyard will provide an ideal venue for weddings, social galas and business functions.
The third floor of The Westin Dallas Downtown will be primarily dedicated to conference space and equipped with the latest in meeting technology. The 323 oversized guestrooms will include 21 expansive suites. The 32nd floor will feature additional meeting space with sweeping views of the Trinity River, Victory Park, Reunion Tower, and the historic West End, as well as a Starwood Preferred Guest® executive lounge, two boardrooms, a Westin WORKOUT® studio, and an indoor pool overlooking Main Street.
KFK Group began exploring ways to reposition the asset while renovating the historic office building commonly known as “One Main Place” for nearly 50 years. As an experienced owner and operator of all property types including hotel, multi-family, office, and retail holdings, KFK selected a full-service hotel as the right fit for the project. In addition to the Westin hotel, the building will also feature 50,000 square feet of retail space, 600,000 square feet of Class A office space and underground parking. It will be one of the first of its kind in Dallas but part of a growing redevelopment movement in urban areas around the United States.
“The addition of a high-caliber global brand like Westin and improvements to One Main will add to the vibrancy of Downtown and the Main Street District, and will provide a luxury hotel option to conventioneers and visitors,” said John Crawford, President & CEO of Downtown Dallas, Inc. “The DDI looks forward to working with KFK Group and Starwood Hotels in further cultivating the neighborhood.”
Mr. Khoury echoed DDI’s mission in saying, “KFK is committed to Downtown Dallas and this project conveys the confidence we have in the area. Both Mayor Mike Rawlings and John Crawford have been very supportive since we purchased One Main and we hope The Westin Dallas Downtown encourages more people to visit Downtown Dallas.”
“The new Westin Dallas Downtown will play a key role in the continuing resurgence of the City Center and beyond,” said Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings. “Dallas is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, and our tourism is booming as well. A high-quality hotel like Westin will add even more momentum to the incredible revitalization of our downtown and to the economic growth of our entire city.”
Conveniently located just five miles from Dallas Love Field, less than twenty miles from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), and just one block from the DART light rail, the hotel is easily accessible for all visitors. The Westin Dallas Downtown will be within walking distance of leading attractions including the Dallas Arts District, Victory Park, American Airlines Center, the West End Historic District, Klyde Warren Park, and the Dallas Convention Center. Numerous businesses are headquartered in the area including AT&T, Comerica Bank, Tenet Healthcare, and Neiman Marcus, whose flagship store is just two blocks away on Main Street.
“Westin is a leading choice for upscale lifestyle developments in cities across North America and will provide travelers a fresh, new option in downtown Dallas,” said Allison Reid, Senior Vice President of North America Development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. “The brand opened its 200th hotel worldwide in 2014 and continues to resonate with developers and travelers due to the phenomenal success of its wellness positioning, modern design and innovative programs.”
All guestrooms and suites at The Westin Dallas Downtown will feature the Westin Heavenly Bed – featuring lush sheets, down cushioning and a patented pillow-top mattress, which cradles and contours to the body for complete comfort. Guests will revive in the Heavenly Bath enhanced with the brand’s Heavenly Shower, Heavenly Robe and White Tea Aloe bath amenities, in-room and high-speed Internet access.
