Portland, ME – Construction is well underway for the new 130-room Hyatt Place Hotel. The development group East Brown Cow broke ground with architect, Canal 5 Studio, and general contractor, Consigli Construction last February.
The new structure is seven stories tall with approximately 80,000sf. The seventh floor, which steps back 15′ along Union and Fore streets due to zoning restrictions, includes suites with roof decks overlooking Portland’s harbor and Casco Bay.
“The contemporary exterior includes a stone panel system from England and a dramatic six story custom glass curtain wall nicknamed the “Crinkle Wall.” Patrick Costin project architect for Canal 5 Studio says, “The ground floor lobby, bar and restaurant are visually connected to the street through a 13′ high glass wall along Fore Street, offering a dramatic connection between the hotel and the vibrant urban street life in Portland’s Old Port.”
The exterior walls of the building including framing, sheathing, insulation , windows and siding were fabricated off site, delivered and lifted into place on the building structure. Interior finishes include teak, granite and custom light fixtures. The building includes a micro turbine to generate electricity and occupancy sensors to modulate energy use.
There is a 1,000sf retail space on the corner of Union and Fore streets. Parking will be accommodated in an existing parking structure adjacent to the hotel, increasing its utilization at night when business use is low.
The project is expected to be completed spring of 2014.