Development News
709 Articles | Page: | Show All
EMU to open planetarium in new $90M science complex
Source: Concentrate, 9/1/2010
Planetariums have come a long way since kids piled onto school buses to see pinpoints of light move around a fake sky.

Now, computer programs can not only portray our own night sky -- past, present, and future -- but also the skies of other planets around the universe, explains Norbert Vance, Eastern Michigan University's observatory director and a lecturer with the
Dept of Physics & Astronomy. "We can travel to other planets and see what the sky looks like from there," he says.

The university is hoping to open its addition to the Mark Jefferson Science Building in time for winter term; the planetarium will open some time thereafter. The $90 million project, the biggest in EMU's history, will transform the 40-year-old science building into a 240,000-square-foot science complex. In addition to the new planetarium, the rest of the building has been undergoing renovations, including new lab space, a green roof, and other technological upgrades.

The ceiling of the 28-foot, 360-degree dome serves as a projector screen for the computer-based system. Thus far $55,000 has been raised to purchase the planetarium projector; another $45,000 is needed for the shows and the lighting and audio system. The software for each planetarium show costs about $3,000; the university could eventually produce its own.

Not only will the planetarium be able to illuminate basic constellations, Vance says, but it can simulate formations and events that could help explain the mythology of the past. "We can set ourselves back in that day and imagine what they were thinking."

The building will have plenty of green features, too; a new air handling system will save energy, and air will be cooled with a chilled beam, a more efficient alternative to fans. Plans call for low-flow sinks and toilets, and the green roof will be planted with hardy, low-maintenance sedum.

"We're very excited about the facility and what it brings, and what we can offer students in the classroom," says James Carroll, the Dept of Physics and Astronomy's interim department head. "We can also use it for outreach in the community."

Source: Norbert Vance, observatory directory and lecturer, Eastern Michigan University Dept of Physics and Astronomy; James Carroll, interim head of the Dept of Physics and Astronomy
Writer: Kristin Lukowski
Ann Arbor underground parking garage to add solar panels, electric car charging station
Source: Concentrate, 9/1/2010
Electric car charging stations, bicycle parking -- and now the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority hopes to add solar panels to the list of environmentally friendly features in a future parking garage.

The DDA recently applied for a $359,700 grant through the Michigan Green Fleets project to fund a part of the electrical-car charging portion of the underground garage, which could include solar panels to provide some of the power. The solar panel system alone would cost $154,100; other costs include charging stations and the purchase of two electric cars, for a total of just less than $500,000. The DDA will partner with the Clean Energy Coalition for the funding, which would come from the federal Department of Energy.

The idea behind the garage is to build it in a sustainable way and then minimize its impact on the environment during operation, through both alternative energy and reducing overall energy use, according to Susan Pollay, executive director of the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority. "We have been striving from the beginning of this project to make this parking structure a showcase for our own community," she says. "From the very beginning, when the structure was first being talked about, the DDA board said if we pursue this we need to be out ahead of everyone."

The garage's $49 million price tag -- about 70 percent of which is actual garage costs, with the other 30 percent covering new water mains, electricity, and the foundation for future developments above the garage -- will be covered by revenues from the public parking system, and not tax dollars. Plans for the rest of the parking garage include 600 underground spots, a new alley and pedestrian improvements, and the accommodations for future developments.

Planners for the garage, on South Fifth between William and Liberty, will be adding other green features such as efficient lighting and storm water capture. If electric cars become more popular, there's an area to add a second transformer; the building is wired to offer as many as 300 charging stations if the demand is there, Pollay says. Also, carpool spaces in choice areas will be reserved.

Although mass transit is important, there will always be a need for solo transportation, whether it's a gas-powered car, moped, or bicycle. But offering electric-car charging stations and secure bicycle parking helps encourage the modes that least impact the environment, she says.

Fifth Avenue was closed last month to accommodate the construction. The garage is expected to open next fall.

Source: Susan Pollay, executive director of the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority
Writer: Kristin Lukowski
Dexter to link up to Border To Border Trail
Source: Concentrate, 9/1/2010
If all goes according to plan, Dexter will boast the first part of its Border to Border trail this fall.

Most of the construction of the trail that is planned to span Washtenaw County has been focused in the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti area, but Dexter plans to build its first 800-foot segment this fall with a concrete path, bridge over Mill Creek, and elevated boardwalk, says Dexter community development manager Allison Bishop. Pending receipt of
a Michigan Department of Natural Resources permit, the go-ahead will be given.

Bishop hopes the trail will positively impact Dexter's economic development, as eventually it will connect to a subdivision with about 250 homes and no current direct walking access to downtown. "We think it's going to be a major trailhead for biking and walking," she says. "How great to go for a short walk, or a long walk, and then end up back downtown where you can go have dinner."

The second phase,
400 feet of elevated boardwalk through floodplains and wetlands, is due to be constructed next summer. Eventually, it will connect to Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority hike-bike trails and Dexter's own Mill Creek Park, creating that area's own network of non-motorized trails.

"We're really improving access to the Mill Creek corridor," Bishop says. "It's currently not accessible to anyone for recreation."

She's also hopeful the focus on parks will bring more of the boating community to the area -- Mill Creek park, especially. "It's going to start to become an activity and recreation hub for Dexter, and bring more people downtown," she says.

The Border to Border Trail will span Washtenaw County, roughly following the Huron River for 35 miles.

The Dexter portions of the trail are expected to cost right around $1 million; the village hopes to contribute its $450,000 in federal transportation funding, which could be available as early as next October. "We're happy about it and we want to support it," Bishop says.

Source: Allison Bishop, community development manager for the village of Dexter
Writer: Kristin Lukowski
Dexter  
U-M opens North Quad to 450 students, classes
Source: Concentrate, 8/25/2010
For the first time in 43 years, the University of Michigan will be opening a new student residence. Next week students move into the North Quadrangle Residential and Academic Complex.

North Quad, at Washington and Thayer streets on U-M's campus, will be home to 450 undergrads as well as the School of Information and some of the College of Literature, Science and the Arts. The seven-story academic tower and 10-story residential tower connect classrooms, offices, study centers and corridors beneath the plaza between the towers.

Peter Logan, director of communication for University Housing, explains that blending living and learning spaces enforces that the learning environment isn't confined to the classroom, and living isn't confined to the residence halls. "The co-location of academic and residential facilities creates opportunities for a real dynamic community in the North Quadrangle facilities," he says. "It serves as an important new gateway for central campus that ties very nicely in with the State Street community and with the other portion of central campus."

Common areas, television and video production studios, and a Media Gateway are among the features of the new, 360,000-square-foot, $175 million building. Logan says technology was considered throughout the entire planning of North Quad, to the point that they kept it flexible enough to accommodate any advancements during the years it was being planned.

That reflects not only insight by design and planning groups, but student input as well, he says. "Technology plays an important part in their ability to connect with each other, across campus and across the world," he says.

Green technology was also used for North Quad; features include additional insulation, energy-efficient windows, motion-sensor lighting, and low-flow plumbing. North Quad sits on the site of the former Frieze Building, which was once the Ann Arbor High School, and the north face of the new residence hall incorporated the façade of the former Carnegie Library.

When students move in, "they’re going to love it," Logan says. "It's a marvelous facility. I think it really will do a lot to promote learning. It certainly takes the living experience on campus to a new standard."

Source: Peter Logan, director of communication for University of Michigan Housing
Writer: Kristin Lukowski
Ypsilanti municipal buildings go green to save green
Source: Concentrate, 8/25/2010
With $250,000 tucked away and three years planned, the city of Ypsilanti is hoping to reduce its energy use and costs in its buildings.

Director of Public Services Stan Kirton said the first projects will be the low-hanging fruit, the relatively cheap, relatively easy efforts that provide a fast return which can then be invested in future projects. The first tasks will be replacing lighting in the buildings to more energy-efficient bulbs, and replacing the 40-year-old windows at the fire department.

"We're hoping to save energy and reduce our carbon footprint," Kirton says.

Although they didn't get the grant money they'd hoped for, city council still earmarked funds to get the program going. Projects to come later on include motion-sensor lighting and heating and cooling upgrades, mostly to replace old technology. "We're going to try to upgrade some of our equipment to a higher efficiency," Kirton says.

He says when windows were traded out at the senior center, the reduction in drafts was noticeable right away. The fire and police stations are also a priority because those are occupied 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Kirton says he hopes to save 20 percent in the city’s energy's costs by changing out the lighting, and offset future rising energy costs with the other improvements.

"As technology improves, and the funds are available, we'll definitely continue to look for ways to save," he says. "It's a fiscal responsibility to our residents and to the community. And we're trying to sustain the environment. We're hoping by the city doing this, it'll serve as an example to other businesses and residents to follow suit, think about it and plan some energy efficient project of their own."

Source: Stan Kirton, director of public services for the city of Ypsilanti
Writer: Kristin Lukowski
Ypsilanti receives downtown streetscape project grant
Source: Concentrate, 8/25/2010
Ypsilanti hopes to create a "new front door" to its Depot Town and Cross Street area with funding for two streetscape projects to enhance East and West Cross Street, says city planner Teresa Gillotti,.

The
Michigan Department of Transportation announced federal Transportation Enhancement funding Tuesday, for which Ypsilanti will receive $769,736 in federal and state funding; the rest of the $1.025 million project will be made up of city and downtown development authority funding. The focus will be streetscapes east and west of the river, on East Cross Street from Depot Town from the railroad tracks to Rice Street, and West Cross Street from Washington to the water tower.

The West Cross portion will serve as a gateway to Eastern Michigan University, says planner Gillotti, and the whole project's addition of lighting, pedestrian amenities, curb cuts and traffic-calming measures should make that stretch of road both more enjoyable and safer.

Rain gardens will also be planted to naturally filter rain water, and a seating wall will give people a casual place to rest their feet. "In a way, it’s going to be a sprucing up Depot Town -- getting rid of old streetscaping, old concrete planters," Gillotti says.

Some of the more safety-minded measures including a pedestrian crosswalk on River Street. Currently, it can be difficult to traverse because of work on the Thompson Block and the nearby railroad crossing. A pedestrian crossing will be installed a bit further south, in front of Ypsilanti Food Co-op.

Also, intersection corners will be bumped out, which both calms traffic and makes it a shorter and safer distance for pedestrians. The improvements, a joint project between the city and the DDA, will mesh with improvements to EMU’s campus, just west of the area.

"The city will spill into the campus and vice versa," she says. "It should be very attractive and a lot safer, and provide more accessibility."

Detroit, Inskter and the I-275 Metro Trail in Canton Township, Van Buren Township and Romulus also received grants for walk/bike trails and streetscape projects. Statewide, a total of $10 million was awarded to 11 counties for non-motorized trail improvements, roadway streetscapes, parks and water quality.

Source: Michigan Department of Transportation and Teresa Gillotti, planner for the city of Ypsilanti
Writer: Kristin Lukowski
Thompson Block work begins anew in Ypsilanti's Depot Town
Source: Concentrate, 8/18/2010
After a few months of delays, controversy, and butting heads with the city of Ypsilanti, work on the Thompson Block project is on again.

Phase one of the current plan is to stabilize the structure and move the shoring and scaffolding out of the right of way, developer
Stewart Beal explains. Phase two involves rebuilding the structure to its condition prior to a fire last fall, and the third is renovations and build-out of tenant spaces.

Due to a clash between Beal and the city, when the parties sued each other over building permits, work stopped in June and July. It resumed last week with the issuing of building and right-of-way permits. Cleaning is being done in preparation for additional work, Beal says.

"We're working as quickly as possible," he says. "Now we have the ability to do what we wanted to do; stabilize the facade, and remove shoring and scaffolding."

The three-story, Civil War-era building sits at the eastern edge of Depot Town. It has become controversial in recent years. For the later half of the 20th Century, it was neglected and allowed to become a blight while the rest of Depot Town revitalized itself into a destination. Beal acquired the property in recent years and promised to redevelop it into a combination of ground-floor retail space and luxury loft apartments.

He also recently received word of eligibility for a historic state tax credit, which is returned after the project is complete. The 40-percent credit could amount to $1.6 million of the expected $4 million project cost.

However, Beal believes he'll have to find new tenants due to bad press the project has received. "Once the building is stabilized and we have a better idea of timelines, then we can start advertising for space again," he says.

Writer: Kristin Lukowski
Source: Stewart Beal, developer of the Thompson Block
Pollution prevention garners grants for Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti
Source: Concentrate, 8/18/2010
Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti are among several Michigan communities to receive grants to reduce their carbon footprints.

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment is awarding $246,547 in Community Pollution Prevention (P2) grant funding to five municipalities for projects that focus on climate action planning, improving efficiency in their operations, reducing waste and lowering emissions, as well as reducing costs. Dearborn, Hazel Park, and Southgate are also receiving funds; the cities will all receive around $50,000.

Andrew Brix, energy programs manager for the city of Ann Arbor, says plans for the grant money include pulling together all of the climate-related activities the city has done in the past in an effort to help the city look at other available grants and see where future resources should be focused.

Another portion of the grant funds will be used to hold a friendly greenhouse gas reduction competition, educating and working with residents on monitoring their energy use.

"We'll have neighbors, in a friendly way, competing with each other to see who can reduce their greenhouse gas emissions," Brix says.

The city will also be using the funding to work with the Center for Sustainable Systems at the University of Michigan on an attempt at developing a master's degree project to study what it would take to become climate neutral, or at least as close as possible, considering funding and how to attack problems more comprehensively.

The grant requires municipalities to develop a greenhouse gas inventory and a plan that addresses emissions and climate and energy challenges. The five community grant recipients will be required to match the state funds by at least 25 percent.

Brix looks forward to the prospect of allow the city to help itself and its residents become more energy efficient. "Obviously, municipal governments are not flush with cash right now, and outside help, especially from the state of Michigan, is fantastic," he says. "I think some of the things we do in our operations set a precedent for other people in the city."

Source: Andrew Brix, energy programs manager for the city of Ann Arbor
Writer: Kristin Lukowski
Ann Arbor improves transit, environment with bike lanes, permeable pavement
Source: Concentrate, 8/18/2010
Ann Arbor's permeable pavement project is wrapping up as the city begins work on building new and improving existing bike lanes.

Permeable pavement filters rain water, creating a surface that absorbs water instead of forcing it to run off into storm sewers. The original plans for completion by the end of June were delayed because of gas main issues, but the final paving is expected to be finished today. "At that point the project will be essentially done, except for minor cleanup," says Nick Hutchinson, project engineer for the city of Ann Arbor. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for Friday.

There are no further plans for such projects, Hutchinson says, but "we're keeping our eye out for good candidates, maybe using some slightly different technologies that accomplish the same thing with lower costs."

The pavement was installed on two blocks of Sylvan Avenue, east of Packard Road. The city will tear out the old road and rebuild its base so the water filters down into the ground as it would naturally. Most road are built on a clay surface that allows the water to pool under the pavement and create havoc through freeze-thaw cycles.

The $300,000 project is more expensive than just slapping another layer of concrete on the old road bed, but cost-competitive with rebuilding the whole stretch of street and using regular, non-permeable pavement.

The city also announced plans for improving its bicycle and pedestrian transportation systems, in part through federal stimulus funding. It will be adding approximately nine miles of new bike lanes, improving more than 24 miles of existing lanes, and augmenting pedestrian and bicycle safety in the downtown through the addition of new signage and pavement markings.

Work will take place along Catherine Street, North University Avenue, Ashley Street, and First Street, where travel lanes will be narrowed or eliminated to increase accessibility for cyclists. These improvements are a part of Ann Arbor's larger efforts to make active transportation, such as bicycling and walking, more accessible to visitors and residents.

Source: City of Ann Arbor and Nick Hutchinson, project engineer for the city of Ann Arbor
Writer: Kristin Lukowski
Coming soon: Solar panels at the Michigan Theater
Source: Concentrate, 8/11/2010
The sun will be shining on Ann Arbor's Michigan Theater -- hopefully directly on its future solar panels.

XSeed Energy is a community-supported energy project managed by the Clean Energy Coalition. It is partnering with the city of Ann Arbor to fund the installation of a line of solar panels on the iconic theater's south wall, if the city's Historic District Commission approves the plan as expected next Thursday.

The Michigan Theater is a good location because of its high visibility, both figuratively and literally, says Clean Energy Coalition project manager Bonnie Bona. Not only will the solar panels be visible from the street, which will hopefully encourage people to think about installing their own panels, but the theater is patronized by many people who could then learn about the project.

"It's really exciting to take this concept of solar power in Ann Arbor and do it not just subtly on someone's residential roof, but to do it right downtown where you can see it," she says.

The panels will be installed on a non-character-defining wall. "If it were a defining wall, we wouldn't even attempt to do it."

Also playing into the decision was willingness on the part of the Michigan Theater and a reduction of operating costs; as a nonprofit, the company doesn't qualify for tax credits for investing in renewable energy. Bids for installation will be solicited soon after approval. "If we get approval from (the historical district commission), we'll be full-speed ahead," she says.

Those dismissing Michigan, with
its cool and cloudy days, as having good potential for solar energy should think twice -- in fact, cooler days means more energy is absorbed into the panels than reflected out. "They're better than you think," Bona states.

She sees the future of renewable energy taking two courses: efficiency in the form of better-sealing homes, and conservation. Changing attitudes coupled with financial incentives also help get people interested in renewable energy.

Proceeds from financial incentives and donations for XSeed Energy will be recycled back into an account to fund ongoing solar installations.

Source: Bonnie Bona, project manager for the Clean Energy Coalition
Writer: Kristin Lukowski
Ypsilanti's Water Street Property gets a walking trail
Source: Concentrate, 8/11/2010
Volunteers will be working on a new walking trail in Ypsilanti, which could eventually become part of the Border-to-Border Trail, a larger, county-wide trail network.

Work is scheduled to begin this Saturday on the Water Street Trail, which would follow the north shore of the Huron River from the Michigan Avenue Bridge to Park Street. Although the initial part of that trail is not terribly long, probably between 100 and 150 yards, "It's important because it links the existing trail area," says Andrew Clock, project coordinator for the Water Street Trail.

The project has $2,000 in funding from the Washtenaw County Department of Health, via the Building Healthy Communities program. It is designed to improve pathways for pedestrian use to encourage walking and leaving the car at home, Clock says. If the trail is dug and filled properly,
negating the need to tear it up and start over, it will be easier for the county to assume it as part of the Border to Border system, a proposed county-wide trail network.

Nearby Waterworks Park has a baseball diamond and even a disc golf course. "There's really an effort going in all around for something to be done with that area," Clock says. "Back in that corner, it's like you're not in the city anymore. Even though you're less than a mile from the freeway, it's like you're out in the middle of the woods."

Clock, an on-again, off-again Ypsilanti resident who's become more and more involved with city politics and music over the years, says part of the goal of the project is to put a positive spin on Water Street, a contentious tale of finger-pointing and pressure on city finances. "None of that's really going to do anything to encourage developers to buy the land and do something positive with it," he points out.

The project itself is made possible through the city of Ypsilanti's Adopt-a-Park program, with the first work day set up for this Saturday; all are welcome to bring work gear and help out, most likely picking up litter and clearing brush and invasive species.

"The last time I was back there, some of it was pretty overgrown at the far back of the property," Clock says.

For information about the plan or to volunteer, e-mail Clock at waterstreetparkypsi@gmail.com or click here.

Source: Andrew Clock,
project coordinator for the Water Street Trail
Writer: Kristin Lukowski
State Rep. Byrnes secures Complete Streets law
Source: Concentrate, 8/11/2010
What makes a street complete? Bike lanes, accessible bus stops, pedestrian crossings?

Yes, yes, and yes. Earlier this month, Michigan became the 14th state to adopt Complete Streets legislation, the idea for which is to include sidewalks, bike lanes, special bus lanes, crossing opportunities, and other features that benefit pedestrians, cyclists, and users of public transportation.

State Rep. Pam Byrnes, D-Chelsea, one of the bill's sponsors, called the Complete Streets program a "very important planning tool" that needs to be taken into consideration for transportation needs beyond vehicles.

"I'm a baby boomer, so I'm going to be approaching that time when I might not be able to drive," she says. "I want to make sure that there is accessibility if I'm walking or taking public transit. We have to look at the whole transportation system."

Through
communication with the affected municipality, the Michigan Department of Transportation will be required to consider uses of roads beyond vehicles when planning, developing, and constructing roads. Cities and townships will also be encouraged to look at Complete Streets when updating their master plans.

Multiple modes of transportation are healthier than driving, especially walking and bicycling,
Byrnes points out. Plus, there are environmental concerns from creating too much pollution.

Although in the 1950s and '60s the focus was on vehicles and the attendant urban sprawl, now the money is on denser urban populations. "Studies show growth in those areas," she says.

It wasn't easy to get everyone on board, from MDOT to bicyclists to retirement advocacy groups to municipal groups, but the number of interested people is undeniable. "We were able to accommodate most of the concerns," she adds. "I think it's a huge success and I'm very happy with it."

Source: State Rep. Pam Byrnes
Writer: Kristin Lukowski
Chelsea  
Zaragon Place 2 up for approval in downtown Ann Arbor
Source: Concentrate, 8/4/2010
If all goes according to plan Thursday, there will be a new apartment building coming to downtown Ann Arbor offering 99 units and ground-floor retail space.

Chicago-based
Zaragon is proposing Zaragon 2, a 14-story high rise by the Cottage Inn Pizza restaurant at William and Thompson streets. That corner was formerly home to a long-time vacant bank branch before Zaragon leveled the two-story structure.

The building, a total of 96,685 square feet, includes the apartments and retail space, facing East William, and 40 off-street parking spots. The building’s first floor will also include a lobby, manager's office, and exercise room; the second and third floors will be 40 parking spaces and 40 bicycle spaces.

The next 11 levels include nine apartments each: a four-bedroom unit, six two-bedroom units, and two one-bedroom units.

Ray Detter, chair of the Downtown Area Citizens' Advisory Council, says the council strongly supports the building. It fits in with the other tall buildings downtown, and in terms of design, follows the original Zaragon Place building quite closely.

There was some concern with the ground-floor windows being opaque as in the original
Zaragon Lofts at 619 E. University, which isn’t the experience the council wants pedestrians to have, he said. But one thing they did like was the number of one- and two-bedroom apartments. "If the demographics change, there might be people other than students who live there," he says.

He said he's not heard of any real opposition to the project. "We feel this is in compliance with our expectations," he says. "It fits into downtown."

The original Zaragon Lofts was built in the spot of the historic Anberay Apartment building. That building features 66 apartments above ground-floor retail space and about 40 underground parking spots, just north of East Quad. It was one of the first in a new crop of luxury high-rise living options geared primarily toward students in downtown Ann Arbor.

Source: City of Ann Arbor and Ray Detter, chair of the Downtown Area Citizens' Advisory Council
Writer: Kristin Lukowski
Old Shaman Drum is renovated into new offices
Source: Concentrate, 8/4/2010
The building that formerly housed Shaman Drum Bookstore is now being transformed one space at a time into more energy-efficient offices.

308 S. State in downtown Ann Arbor, near Liberty Street, has a new fire escape, with new windows coming soon. Deb Pearson, leasing director for Oxford Property Management, notes other ongoing improvements as office space comes up for rent.

"We're putting in windows that are energy-efficient and in compliance with the historical society standards," Pearson says. "Preserving the nature and character of the building is at the top of the list. As a property management company, we're very interested in making it more of an efficient building.”

Improvements include rear window replacement, old panel removal, plaster restoration, and changing out the lighting. "We've been doing interior renovations as space gets leased -- carpet, paint," Pearson says. "We have quite a few new tenants, so we're quite pleased that the property is doing well. A lot of businesses like to be downtown."

Currently the retail space on the first floor is leased out to a Great Wraps sandwich chain, which will be coming up for lease in February. Most of the office space on the two floors above is leased out.

Other plans
to erase its former identity as a hotel include replacing the interior doors and removing a "funky" mailbox system. "In the common areas the paint is in good condition, but the carpeting on the list for replacement," she says. The current boiler used to heat the building is also under review, but nothing has been decided.

Source: Deb Pearson, leasing director for Oxford Property Management
Writer: Kristin Lukowski
Courtyard Marriott expands options for business travelers
Source: Concentrate, 8/4/2010
What makes life easier for the business traveler? Good coffee, plenty of electrical outlets, and a place to print out your boarding passes.

The Courtyard by Marriott in Ann Arbor has renovated its lobby to cater even more to the business traveler by offering direct connectivity, pods for people and their laptops, a library, and flexible seating, including communal tables and a semi-enclosed lounge area.

The lobby also features a 52-inch LCD touch screen with local information, maps, weather, and news, business, and sports headlines for guests to navigate to find restaurants, local attractions, and directions. A free printer and separate computer stations are dedicated to printing airline boarding passes and checking flight status.

The hotel's bistro, now re-opened for dinner, offers healthier menu options and Starbucks coffee. In the bistro are recycling bins for the green-minded guest; guests can also opt out of having fresh sheets and towels every day to save water and energy. The lobby renovation took about six weeks.

Source: Courtyard by Marriott
Writer: Kristin Lukowski
709 Articles | Page: | Show All