12 replies to this topic

[vjackson]

Hyatt renovating Reunion Tower
Dallas Business Journal - 3:14 PM CDT Tuesday, September 18, 2007by Jaime S. JordanStaff Writer

Hyatt Hotels is planning a $55 million renovation of Reunion Tower and Union Station.

Because of the extent of the renovation, which includes combining the Antares restaurant and The Dome lounge on the top level, and converting the second level to event space, as well as renovation of the observation level, the tower is going to close for 12 months, said Hyatt Regency Dallas spokeswoman Priscilla Hagstrom.

The last day the tower will be open is Nov. 15. The interior demolition will begin the next day, Hagstrom said.

The renovation of the 50-story Reunion Tower and Union Station is being managed by Dallas-based Woodbine Development Corp.

"While we would love to keep both Union Station and the tower open for business, the level of this renovation would be too disruptive for our customers," said John Scovell, president and CEO of Woodbine Development Corp. "We will continue to run our signature light shows on the tower, and rest assured that when we reopen in 2008 it will be with a splash."

In addition to the Reunion Tower and Union Station, Woodbine also is managing the renovation of the hotel's exhibit space and guest room suites.

[vjackson]

I've never really been fond of RT. But an update of the restaurant and lounge is defintely needed. Dallas' night time skyline is changing as several towers are redoing their lighting schemes. Trammel Crow tower just unveiled a cool green and white scheme for its spire. That said, I hope RT does something different with its lighting scheme. The blinking white lights has gotten a little old IMO.

[Dismuke]

I finally found something that has at least some specifics regarding what is going on with Union Station - which I care about far more than that tower which I think is UGLY from the outside (though very COOL when on the inside in the revolving lounge at sunset into early evening).

"Union Station, which is owned by the City of Dallas, leased by Hunt-Woodbine Realty Corporation and partially operated by Hyatt Regency Dallas, currently is undergoing major renovation of its roof, heating and air-conditioning system, and exterior envelope. The interior renovation was launched in July with upgrades and addition of event space on the second floor, including the Grand Hall, and renovation of third-floor office space. Union Station is a triple-registered historic building, and plans call for a particular emphasis on restoring architectural features of the 91-year-old building."

It would sure be nice if this means that they will correct and undo that horrible 1970s revamp of the interior which looks as one would expect, extremely tacky. I am not sure what it looked like originally - but considering when it was built and the appearance of the rest of the building, one can be pretty confident that it was nice and far, far, better than how it is now.

[vjackson]

It would sure be nice if this means that they will correct and undo that horrible 1970s revamp of the interior which looks as one would expect, extremely tacky. I am not sure what it looked like originally - but considering when it was built and the appearance of the rest of the building, one can be pretty confident that it was nice and far, far, better than how it is now.

Ain't that the truth! From the outward appearance you would expect to walk into this beautiful historic building, only to find what looks like the lobby of a large bank...from the 1970's.

And FWIW, I've always thought Reunion Tower was one ugly structure. It is cool inside though. I think the the redo is going to be awesome. I'm hoping for a chic, retro look.

[ramjet]

I remember back in the 80's driving over from Fort Worth to Dallas for a night on the town and thinking how cool Reunion Tower looked all lit up at night. I'm very glad it's getting an update. I think it's one of the iconic structures of Dallas.

[safly]

Let US at US FB&T help you with all your business banking needs.

Have a seat on the vinyl. Care for a Mellow Yellow?

How bout we "diversify" your POP selection a bit here.



Sooo, how bout that Reggie Jackson???

[ramjet]

Let US at US FB&T help you with all your business banking needs.

Have a seat on the vinyl. Care for a Mellow Yellow?

How bout we "diversify" your POP selection a bit here.



Sooo, how bout that Reggie Jackson???

Hmm... I'm guessing an existential reference to Reunion Tower? Or to the 80's? Who are the banker-looking geezers in the pics?

[safly]

Uhhh, SURE!

All 70's, all good.

[elpingüino]

Hunt Realty unveils $5 billion redevelopment plan for downtown Dallas' Reunion project

They're aiming to bring 5,000 people downtown Dallas. Plans are for 3,000 apartments, a 600- to 1,000-room hotel, 150,000 sqft of retail, and 2 million sqft of offices.

[steave]

It would be unreal if that was ever built out like that. Too bad stuff like this never seems to happen in real life.

[John T Roberts]

Development plans are usually never fully implemented. 

[roverone]

Things always change over time, and renderings are always aspirational, but what this project has that most that we are familiar with is a group with more inherent financial strength and many decades of development history.

 

I think that tilts the scale at least a little more to something good materializing along with their new convention center.

[steave]

Honestly any reasonably nice-ish development there would be good. It doesn't have to be architectural award winning or taller than 8 stories, just some conventional midrises.