Aug. 4, 2009--The Overland Park Marriott has completed a $20 million renovation of the exterior and interior of the 25-year-old property on Metcalf Avenue.

The 18-month-long endeavor was capped off recently with the opening of the "Marriott International Great Room" concept. The former lobby was revamped to include a lounge and sushi bar.

The most visible aspect of the project was a complete replacement of the exterior skin of the 398-room hotel, a task that required the entire building to be wrapped in a plastic "shroud" to protect workers and guests.

Shawn M. Cummins, the general manager, said the investment by Integrated Capital LLC, a Los Angeles-based, minority-owned hotel group, occurred during a downturn in the hospitality industry.

"What we've found to be most exciting it that here's a market that pretty much everyone else is backing out of," he said.

Cummins, who took over two months ago, previously was vice president of Marriott operations for a 17-state area.

"Here's an ownership and investment group that's come in with a $20 million infusion in a market where people might ask, why invest a nickel in a property that opened 25 years ago?" he said.

The renovation included overhauling the guest rooms, restaurants and other amenities.

To reach Kevin Collison, call 816-234-4289 or send e-mail to [email protected].

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