Marriott Marquis Topping Off Ceremony

September 25, 2013

Marriott Marquis Topping Off Ceremony

Today was definitely a day for celebration in DC. The star of the party was the new Marriott Marquis, Washington DC and the dignitaries and guests gave the new hotel a grand topping off ceremony.

Mayor Vincent Gray and Bill Marriott, Executive Chairman and CoB Marriott International

Located in a tent, which at times didn't feel big enough, on the L Street NW side of the hotel, the large gathering of guests heard speeches lauding the building and its construction, the city and the promise that the hotel holds. Mayor Vincent Gray, exalted the city, its growth and its future.

Council Member Jack Evans (Ward 2) handed out the congratulatory thanks to everyone and reminded all present that it was not that long ago that walking in the streets of Shaw, even in daylight, was something to be avoided, and how the neighborhood was now one of the most vibrant in the region.

Greg O'Dell (President & CEO Events DC) hailed the growth of government/business cooperation in getting this and other building projects in motion,

while Christopher Gladstone (President, Quadrangle) enhanced this with an overview of the developments financing that was created through that cooperation during a recession. Mr Gladstone then went on to quantify (with some humor) the size and quantity of materials used in the construction.

The final speaker, was the boss himself, Bill Marriott. Here we received a perspective of the Marriott families involvement in Washington DC, a reminder that the Marriott brand started on 9th Street NW so many years ago with a single 9 stool stand selling root-beer.

Bill Marriott & Norm Jenkins (President of Capstone Development) sign the beam before it was lifted into place

Mayor Gray signs the beam

With the speeches completed, the final beam to be incorporated into the hotels magnificent skylight roof was signed by dignitaries and guests, and as the crowd of hotel construction workers swelled on L Street, it was lifted by one of the sky cranes into its final position.

The final beam signed by all and now bound for the sky light and

Indulge me: well OK, if you have followed the blog (and the many crane shots) this is probably the last of them

The final portion of the program was a tour of the hotel's lobby area, a viewing of the sky light and sculpture.

Bill Marriott gets a hands on tour and explanation

The magnificent sky light will cover the complete lobby/interior allowing for maximum light

A little disappointing, the 'wings' are installed on the sculpture, but are still covered

My takeaway from the ceremony? This was a time of celebration for the near completion of a most difficult project, there were many smiles and back slaps and quite deservedly so.
The Marriott Marquis, Washington DC will open in May 2014, there is a huge amount of business already booked for the hotel and the associated Washington Convention Center, more revenue for the city (Mr O'Dell estimated $38 mil per year) so any doubters should be silent.
The ceremony/program was very well put together with just the right number of speakers who know how to deliver and they were eloquent to a fault.
Kudos to Marriott's PR team (Laura Davidson PR) for guiding me through the program and providing valuable information.

PHOTO GALLERY

I have many photos from today's ceremony, here are some I hope you find of interest;