By: Deborah Johnson Wood
St. Julien Westside, the Boulder, Colorado company that recently purchased the Days Inn in downtown Grand Rapids, plans to renovate the 175-room property using "green" principles. The company is wrapping up the final stages of the design and expects to begin renovations by May 1.
"We are moving toward a green hotel," said Peter Walstra, director of operations and partner in St. Julien. "We are going to pay attention to materials, fabrics, lighting and utilities, and will be recycling the demolition materials."
The multi-million dollar rehab won't leave a ceramic tile unturned. In addition to overhauling every guest room, a redesigned lobby, new restaurant, a business center, and a revamped pool and fitness room also are in the plans. Meeting space, something the current hotel does not have, will be added.
Walstra said the price point for the hotel will be the lowest in the downtown area without sacrificing service.
"The whole point of it is to produce a hotel that is comfortable and works well with the weekday business traveler and the weekend family or couple that's coming into town for a concert or convention or the museums," Walstra said. "We are going to be affordable so they can stay in downtown Grand Rapids."
Walstra is working with Design Plus and Rockford Construction.
Source: Peter Walstra, St. Julien Westside
Photograph by Brian Kelly
Deborah Johnson Wood is the Development News Editor for Rapid Growth. She can be reached at [email protected].
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