WASHINGTON,
November 7, 2011 --Hilton Worldwide has submitted a proposal
that, if accepted by the U.S. General Services Administration, will
turn the Old Post Office Building into a world-class hotel and retail
destination, transforming Pennsylvania Avenue while bringing new jobs
and economic activity to Washington DC. The proposal, tendered in
response to the General Services Administration’s solicitation for
redevelopment of the iconic 112-year-old Old Post Office Building,
would create a 245-room Waldorf Astoria Hotel, and feature destination
retailers from New York and Paris, as well as a world-class social and
meeting space and a premier fitness facility.
“With our global headquarters in nearby McLean, Virginia, we are
committed to the growth and vitality of the Washington, D.C.
metropolitan area while preserving this historic landmark,” said
Christopher J. Nassetta, President and CEO Hilton Worldwide. “I want to
applaud the GSA for moving forward with this opportunity and
acknowledge Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton for her leadership on
the legislation that authorized this tremendously important project to
proceed.”
The proposal for a Waldorf Astoria hotel and iconic destination retail
stores would create much needed employment opportunities and tax
revenue while at the same time creating an exciting and vibrant
destination on Pennsylvania Avenue. The project team has developed a
collaborative plan, which includes the complete renovation and
revitalization of the landmark building at no expense to tax payers or
use of federal dollars. “Our project for a revitalized Old Post Office
Building will encourage the flow of tourism, further economic vitality
and bring new jobs to Washington, D.C., while preserving this historic
building for future generations,” said John Vanderslice, Global Head
Luxury and Lifestyle Brands, Hilton Worldwide. “Our brand has a passion
and a reputation for operating in iconic locations around the world and
the Old Post Office Building is well aligned with our portfolio of
unique properties in the most desired destinations.”
The architecturally-rich building listed on the National Register of
Historic Places is a destination in itself, situated in the epicenter
of Washington between the U.S. Capitol Building and the White House.
Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts include some of the most
extraordinary properties in spectacular destinations around the globe
with a reputation for superior service, a sense of place and unique
architecture or artistic and historical significance. To complement the
hotel’s fusion of a historic setting with world renowned retail brands,
the proposal also includes a world-class spa, a 28,000 square foot
premium fitness center, four signature restaurants and 17,000 sq. ft.
of function and ballroom space.
The restoration proposal includes development by Metropolitan
Partnership, Ltd. in conjunction with Waldorf Astoria. In addition to
the redevelopment and restoration of 1101 Pennsylvania Avenue,
Metropolitan is known for first bringing a distinguished collection of
retailers to its development projects at Fairfax Square, Chevy Chase
and Palm Beach. “Our intention is to transform the south side of the
Avenue into a vibrant mix of premiere shopping, dining, socializing and
hotel functions at the very finest level seen in any of the world’s
great capital cities,” said David Childs, Chairman Emeritus of SOM and
designer of One World Trade Center at Ground Zero. “And our
pedestrian-oriented spaces will add to the superb neoclassical and
Romanesque architecture of the Federal Triangle they front on, creating
an elegant and exciting bridge to the great National Mall and its
unsurpassed visitor and ceremonial attractions.”
About Waldorf Astoria Hotels and
Resorts
WALDORF ASTORIA is Hilton Worldwide’s luxury brand of landmark hotels,
with each one as singular and timeless as the brand’s namesake, The
Waldorf=Astoria Hotel in New York. From classic elegance to modern
grandeur, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts each represent worldly
sophistication and unparalleled guest service. From sumptuous spas and
culinary excellence to world-class golf, each hotel & resort offers
the exquisite accommodations and signature accoutrements that define
refinement and sophistication. Discover Waldorf Astoria by visiting www.waldorfastoria.com.