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.

Logos, product and company names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.

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