WASHINGTON, D.C.—Hines, an international real estate firm, and Qatari Diar, the real estate development entity of the Qatar Investment Authority (the co-developers of CityCenterDC), Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Worldwide’s smart luxury hotel brand, and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser confirmed today the start of construction of the Conrad Washington, D.C., a 360-room luxury hotel with 30,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space at CityCenterDC; the landmark 10-acre, mixed-use development located in the heart of the nation’s capital. Initial occupancy for the hotel is expected in the first quarter of 2019.
In addition, Hines, Qatari Diar and Conrad Hotels & Resorts have announced that Chef Bryan Voltaggio, of Fredrick, Md., will be the signature chef for the hotel restaurant, responsible for the concept and menu.
The Conrad Washington, D.C. marks the seventh building developed by Hines and Qatari Diar at CityCenterDC. Not only does this represent an additional investment by Hines and Qatari Diar in the CityCenter project, it demonstrates the continued commitment to long-term investment in the nation’s capital.
The Conrad Washington, D.C. will further enhance the architectural excellence at CityCenterDC. The lead designers for the Conrad Washington, D.C. are Herzog & de Meuron, led by five senior partners including Pritzker Prize Laureates Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron, with HKS Architects, Inc. as architect of record. The elegant hotel interiors are being designed by Rottet Studio. Turner Construction Company is the project’s general contractor.
“We are excited to break ground on the Conrad Washington, D.C. because it means more jobs and opportunities for District residents and businesses,” said Mayor Bowser. “This development is another positive signal of our growing economy and our emergence as a national leader in hospitality and tourism.”
“We are thrilled with the opportunity to continue our successful partnership with Qatari Diar on our additional investment in the Conrad Washington, D.C.,” said Hines Managing Director Michael Allen, project officer for the Hines/Qatari Diar master developer team.
Commenting on behalf of Qatari Diar Americas, Fabien Toscano, chief executive officer, said, “Commencement of construction on the Conrad Washington, D.C. is a historic milestone for the CityCenterDC project. With exceptional hotel rooms and exclusive retail elements, this new venture is in keeping with our vision of reflecting local characteristics and influences to create a destination designed to enhance the experience of everyone who stays and visits, and to inspire the way they choose to live, work and play for future generations. We are excited for this next phase of the project as we continue to watch it grow into a world-class development set to become a new landmark in one of the world’s most influential cities.”
“We are also pleased to work with Hilton Worldwide as our hotel partner at CityCenterDC,” said Hines Managing Director Jonathan Fuisz. “The Conrad flag has an excellent reputation in the luxury segment, both domestically and internationally, and we are excited to bring the brand to D.C.”
The initial phase of CityCenterDC comprises 191,000 square feet of retail space, 216 for-sale residential units, 458 apartment units, 522,000 square feet of office space, and public open space that was initially occupied in December 2013. CityCenter’s master plan design was led by London-based Foster + Partners, the internationally acclaimed studio for architecture, design, and planning, which also designed the office and residential condominium buildings.
The Conrad Washington, D.C. will add an additional 30,000 square feet of retail space that will complement the already successful luxury retail component of the first phase of CityCenterDC. CityCenterDC features a unique mix of local, national and international retail brands, cafes and restaurants with extensive street frontage. Several retail tenants have already entered into negotiations for space in the Conrad Washington, D.C. project.
