Upscale Hotel Recommended for Midfield Terminal at Detroit Metro Airport

DETROIT--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 25, 2000--Wayne County's Department of Airports and Northwest Airlines are recommending Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. and Darryl Berger Companies, Inc. to design, build, and operate a new upscale, 400-plus room Westin Hotel at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport's midfield terminal. The recommendation is subject to approval by the Wayne County Commission. The $80 million hotel, featuring a fine-dining atrium restaurant, will include world class amenities such as a 7,200 sq. ft. ballroom, an executive conference center, 17 meeting/board rooms, a business center, a health club and pool and spa facilities. It is very important for us to provide our passengers with a hotel that is every bit as attractive and convenient as the new midfield terminal, said Wayne County Executive Edward H. McNamara. With 10 international gates at the new midfield terminal, and the tremendous growth in the international air travel marketplace, we want to show the world that Wayne County and Detroit is the place to do business in the 21st century. Northwest Airlines is excited to have a major first-class hotel integrated directly into the new midfield terminal, said James M. Greenwald, V.P. Facilities Design & Construction. The terminal will now include a very efficient and convenient domestic hub, a world leading international facility, a leading edge concession program and a first class hotel, all in the same facility. With hotel brands such as: Westin Hotels & Resorts, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, The Luxury Collection, St. Regis, W, Four Points by Sheraton, and others, Starwood is a global hotel powerhouse, with more than 725 properties in 80 countries. We are honored to be associated with such a high quality project as the Midfield Terminal, and are thrilled to partner with Wayne County and Northwest Airlines on a project that will set a new benchmark for upscale airport terminal hotels, said Steven R. Goldman, Executive Vice President, Acquisitions and Development for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. This hotel, strategically located adjacent to Northwest's new Midfield Terminal, is a wonderful addition to our Westin global portfolio, which has grown from just 17 hotels in the Northwest 30 years ago, to 120 properties in 24 countries today. Starwood would serve as the hotel operator, insuring the top-quality Westin brand standards. Other members of the hotel team include: Darryl Berger Companies, Inc., the project developers; Portman Fruchtman Vinson Sunderland Architects; and Walbridge Aldinger, the Detroit-based general contractor and construction manager. Concept planning and solicitation for interest for a midfield terminal hotel began approximately two years ago, said Director of Airport's Lester W. Robinson. Last summer a competitive process yielded two serious hotel proposals, and while both were excellent, Starwood wins with a more attractive appearance and extra amenities for our guests. In the opinion of the selection committee, Starwood edged-out Marriott Hotels & Resorts, offering a better design; more upscale accommodations and facilities; and superior investment returns to the county. The county's plan is to sell special facility bonds to cover the cost of construction. Hotel revenues would repay the bonds. Upon award of the contract by the Wayne County Commission, the Starwood team will design, build, and operate the hotel under a 15-year management agreement. The recommendation could go to the Wayne County Commission as early as next month. Construction would begin shortly after the final approvals and the hotel could open as early as December of 2002. The midfield terminal, featuring 72 jet and 25 commuter gates, a silent automated transit system, over 80 shops and restaurants, 104 check-in positions and over 11,000 structured parking spaces, is due to open in December 2001. Midfield Terminal - Westin Hotel Fact Sheet The Project ----------- Purpose: To design, build and operate a world-class hotel, representative of the high quality standards and service passengers will experience in Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport's new midfield terminal, and to provide travelers with first-class accommodation amenities, ensuring Metro Airport's place as one of the finest air transportation facilities in the world, for the 21st century. Location: Detroit Metro Airport's New Midfield Terminal Hotel Size: Over 350,000 total sq. ft. Nine Floors + Basement 404 guestrooms Amenities: Fine Dining Atrium Restaurant (Over 2,300 sq. ft.) Fitness Center, Pool & Spa (Over 2,900 sq. ft) 1 Ballroom (Over 7,200 sq. ft) 1 Executive Conference Center (Over 2,300 sq. ft.) 17 meeting/board rooms (Over 14,400 total sq. ft.) 4 Conference Rooms (Over 2,000 total sq. ft.) Estimated Project Cost: Approximately $80 million The Recommended Team -------------------- Hotel Operator: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. White Plains, NY Project Developers: Darryl Berger Companies, Inc. New Orleans, LA Design Architects: Portman Fruchtman Vinson Sunderland Atlanta, GA Construction Manager/General Contractor: Walbridge Aldinger Detroit, MI Color renderings of the new midfield terminal hotel are available through email by calling Brian Lassaline at (734) 247-7274.