Ann Arbor's Sheraton hotel completes $8.5 million renovation project, gets new name
The Ann Arbor Four Points by Sheraton recently completed an $8.5 million renovation project and unveiled its new name: the Sheraton Ann Arbor Hotel.
The extensive renovations began in December, after RockBridge Partners bought the property, located at 3200 Boardwalk Drive, for $11 million in July 2010. The Davidson Hotel Company manages the property for RockBridge.
Renovations to the 30-year-old hotel converted it into a full-service Sheraton Hotel, upgrading the hotel’s technology, meeting rooms, lobby, restaurant, fitness center and guest rooms. The vision was to create “a modern space inspired by classical design elements,” according to the hotel’s website.
Renovations also included adding an energy-efficient glass skin and new signage on the exterior of the building.
"We’re confident that with the improvements that were made to the rooms, lobby and guest technology offerings, this property will quickly become a market leader in Ann Arbor," said James Merkel, president and CEO of RockBridge, in a press release.
A sample guest room at the Sheraton Ann Arbor Hotel.
The hotel remained open during the renovations, which lasted about six months. Some parts of the property, including the pool, fitness center and business center, were temporarily closed during construction.
Jon Benowitz of RockBridge said the company anticipates improved or increased business generated by the University of Michigan.
According to the press release, the hotel serves a “strong local corporate community, as well as the academic and athletic departments within the University of Michigan.”
Lizzy Alfs is a business reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at or 734-623-2584 or at lizzyalfs@annarbor.com. Follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/lizzyalfs.
Comments
Salinemary
Sun, May 15, 2011 : 1:24 p.m.
Did they use local contractors to do this job?
Rob MI
Sun, May 15, 2011 : 12:19 p.m.
As I recall it, this property was actually a Sheraton Hotel until the early to mid 90's. It was then placed in the Four Points chain (by parent Starwood Hotels?). An associate who was planning a conference in town was considering the then-Four-Points property and was told that a review of property amenities by corporate would result in a branding change and extensive remodeling--back to a Sheraton! It's always interesting how some of these things come full circle.