Renovation of Le Meridien in Dallas is Complete

Graham Downes Architecture Completes Extensive Renovation

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. August 19, 2010

SAN DIEGO, CA - August 18, 2010 - Graham Downes Architecture announces the completion of an extensive, $10 million renovation for the new Le Meridien Hotel in Dallas, Texas. The San Diego-based architectural firm was called upon to transform the former Hilton Suites Galleria into the one of the most chic and creative brands in Starwood Hotels' stable. This is the second US property assigned the new brand direction of Le Meridien The hotel is located 20 minutes from the Dallas/Ft. Worth Airport and nestled in the heart of North Dallas' famous Galleria area. Known for being a bustling de-centralized business district with high-end shopping centers, the Galleria is home to many recognizable blue chip corporations.

Graham Downes Architecture has grown to become one of the largest and most-respected architectural firms in Southern California specializing in hospitality design. The company is highly regarded for its energy-infused, idea-driven projects, having designed distinctive retail, hospitality, restaurant, leisure, multi-family and mixed-use facilities in California and major cities across the U.S.

The 11-story, 258-room atrium hotel has been completely transformed by Graham Downes. Beginning with the entrance, lounge and check-in areas, the contemporary concept now blurs boundaries with flexible seating areas containing pod-like stations and ”floating” furniture. The space around the completely renovated lobby bar encourages social interaction by providing day-long access to food and drink; it leans toward a coffee bar atmosphere during the day and, enhanced by mood shifts of lighting, sounds and smells, moves toward an active, hip cocktail lounge in the evening. The Business Centre also was tackled by the architects, keeping the creative guest in the forefront with glowing tables, hi-tech lighting and other contemporary themes supporting the brand mantra of “artist as guest; guest as artist”

The formerly conventional restaurant is no longer a necessary convenience but a signature boutique environment with the accent on a gourmet culinary experience, which appeals to local discretionary diners beyond the immediate hotel guests. Brightly colored raspberry/fuchsia fabrics and accents pull the highly energized public spaces into a refreshing atmosphere of sight and space. All rooms were remodeled - formerly an all-suite property, sitting areas and bedrooms were combined by removing partitions for an open ”loft” room that is spacious. The rooms carry on the design theme with gray woods, white marble, polished stainless steel and rich pink accents - very Euro-centric in design - even the bed is a European King as opposed to the usual California King. The feature wall in each is the custom graphic of a Parisienne city chart.

The renovation of the hotel, now owned by HEI Hotels and Resorts, was undertaken by American Property Management Corporation of San Diego.

Among recent design hotel commissions for Graham Downes Architecture are the Hard Rock Hotel in San Diego and The Padre Hotel in Bakersfield, California. The firm also has designed the award-winning Tower 23 Hotel, also in San Diego. Graham Downes Architecture is located in San Diego's emerging Barrio Logan district and also has offices in Las Vegas, Nevada and Phoenix, Arizona. For more information, go to:
www.grahamdownesarchitecture.com