Bristol, CT – A ground breaking ceremony was held on Thursday July 28, 2011 celebrating the multi-million dollar renovation and expansion of the hotel located on Century Drive in Bristol, Connecticut.
“The momentum in Bristol is building. As a businessman, I see the vast potential and exciting future of this great City. Today we are here to officially celebrate our role in Bristol’s renaissance,” said Dr. Gerald A. Niznick, DMD, MSC, owner of the hotel.
Earlier this year, Dr. Niznick announced plans for the renovation and expansion of the 120 room full-service hotel. The construction project will include a new suite tower, along with renovations to the existing guest rooms, public areas, conference and banquet space and restaurant. Plans call for a new outdoor patio area adjacent to the banquet hall and broadening of restaurant operations to accommodate breakfast, lunch and dinner service.
Karen L. Whitman, Director of Franchise Development for Hilton Worldwide attended the ground breaking ceremony. Ms. Whitman officially announced that the hotel has received approval as a DoubleTree by Hilton. The transition to the Hilton brand will take place in the coming year.
Arthur J. Ward, Mayor of Bristol, was on hand for the groundbreaking ceremony. In his remarks, Mayor Ward thanked Dr. Niznick for his investment, stating, “Thank you for sharing our vision for this community. We agree this community is in a renaissance.”
As part of the ceremony, Dr. Niznick, a world renowned prosthodontist and a leading entrepreneur of implant dentistry, presented donations to Bristol Hospital and the Bristol Boys and Girls Club.
“Together we look with anticipation upon an even brighter future for this hotel and the community as a whole,” remarked Dr. Niznick.
A complete renovation program is planned for the hotel, including guest rooms and public areas and construction of a new suite tower. The construction is expected to be completed in approximately 14 months. The project is designed to attract additional business travelers, corporate meetings and conferences, while still appealing to local demand for banquets and guest rooms. Construction activities will be phased to minimize disruptions during renovation activities.
The hotel owners have selected ACG North America, Inc. of Bristol as the design-build firm. Signature Architects of Chelmsford, Massachusetts and Parker Torres Design of Wayland, Massachusetts will provide architectural and interior design services. Prestige Hospitality Group serves as the hotel management company.
The full-service hotel, located on Century Drive in Bristol, was first built in 1988. Hotel amenities currently include an indoor swimming pool, fitness center and sauna, meeting rooms, and a full-service restaurant and lounge. Jillian’s Restaurant and Lounge has been a favorite among local residents and business travelers. The 7,000 square feet of banquet and meeting space is one of the largest facilities of its kind in central Connecticut. Dr. Niznick, and his business venture, Bristol Hotel, LLC, have owned the hotel for the past nine years.