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Specialty Dining Returns In A Starring Role At The Newly Remodeled Windows On Minnesota…50 Floors Above It All

The John Hardy Group provided the Project Management Services.

[Minneapolis, MN]—For over 30 year, the 50-story IDS Center, designed by legendary architect Phillip Johnson, has been hailed as one of the most important buildings in America. The New York Times called it, “one of the finest skyscrapers, built in any American city”. The center complex, which includes the 19-story Marquette hotel, is a tribute to dazzling glass-wall architecture and home to the spectacular Windows of Minnesota, 50 floors above it all. Located at the very pinnacle, Windows is a masterpiece of perfection for any special event site and a celestial setting indeed – not to mention the view.

“Location-Location-Location” rings true, when entering Windows on Minnesota. With its million-dollar view and newly finished, multi-million dollar renovation, it surely is the premier facility in town. It features the very finest in private dining and banquets for those seeking the unusual –high in the sky. “ Guests will find the view better than ever – and – in all directions, which we previewed to nearly 600 guests just in time for Mother’s Day,” according to Gerard Viardin, General Manager of the Marquette Hotel and the Windows Operation.

Viardin, who along with his hotel team are a division of the Hilton International Group, says, “The owners designated $12 million dollars for the 2003 renovation at both of our properties in recognition of our 30th Anniversary.” He explained that the $3 million was earmarked for the spring roll-out of Windows, with $9 million to be applied toward he hotel’s summer upgrade with the room remodeling, lobby and lounge changes. He adds, “The Atlanta based John Hardy Group Intl. (known as JHGI) was contracted to coordinate the entire construction project with the interior design being addressed by Robynne Moncur of Toronto, owner of Moncur Design Associates.”

“For more than 2 decades, half of the 50th floor was private office space,” Viardin explained. “This year, we’ve opened all four sides of the building again and these OEfloor-to-ceiling, window-walled rooms can all be used at once for a group up to 800 in size. We could easily host 4 different weddings at the same time in 4 separate spaces, and each would still have their own full wall of windows.”

With almost 20,000 sq. feet of floor now open for banquet use, Windows is larger than to football fields in floor space. According to designer Robynne Moncur, “This is a magnificent space. We were able to make a dramatic first impression on the guests as they arrive by removing the old interior walls at the 50th floor elevator lobby. Now, as the elevator doors open, guests are immediately greeted by the famous vista at Windows with the signature, 12-ft high expanse of glass walls in the large prefunction and reception area.”

The Moncur team refurbished the rosewood paneling on the lobby walls and added a new polished granite floor, featuring sparkling inlaid rings of black granite with gold flecks. Swirls and circular rings are repeated in pattern of the carpet and ceiling. Overhead, each room is crowned with elegant, large circular ceiling rings, enhanced by indirect cove lighting, decorative chandeliers and sparkling down lightsand all can be dimmed to suit the occasion.

Mirrors also play an important role in reflecting the beauty of the room and the view. Moncur says, “A three-inch edge along all the large mirror panels was de-silvered, then backpainted to allow a halo affect for indirect lighting behind the mirrors. They appear to float like a cloud within the millwork frame. Even the refurbished restrooms focus on the sparkle of the sky high setting with the addition of more sparkling granite floors and countertops that repeat black with gold flecks a warm, golden faux finish on the drywall completes the new look through Windows.

Windows On Minnesota Offers Elegance & Flexibility From Small Wine Dinners To Large Weddings

 

Brian Schumacher, newly appointed Director of Sales and Marketing for the Marquette Hotel says, “I am proud to say our guest receive the highest level of personal service and we already have received great feedback from corporate clients on preview walk-throughs. They love the space.” He adds, “We have a great staff of professionals to assist in planning a successful event or celebration – whether for a single day meeting or celebration to a multiple day conference. Windows on Minnesota can accommodate any needs – from normal function equipment such as podiums to plasma screen televisions, LCD and high speed internet connections. Dining here at Windows will be a heavenly experience as well, thanks to menu guidance from out Executive Chef Mark Stankey and his team. We have the best of both large and small dining options and our catering staff is available with ideas from simple to exquisite.”

The summer of 2003 will find the Marquette renovation and construction under JHGI supervision with the Moncur design team adding finishing accents on interiors. Remaining design touches from drapery to sofas are arriving in Windows this month. Plans call for more preview tours in Windows with summer and fall bookings underway. A fall open house is also on the schedule for downtown businesses, various interest groups and the press.