Queenseyes should be pleased. Benderson Development is indeed planning windows on the former Holiday Inn that is being converted into a Residence Inn by Marriott. While gutting work is underway at the 620 Delaware property, Benderson is heading to the Planning Board for approval of the redevelopment plans.
The property has been owned by Benderson since 1966 since its construction. Hart Hotels operated the 167-room hotel under a lease with Benderson that was not renewed. Benderson-owned Buffalo Lodging LLC will reduce the number of rooms by 62. All public spaces, including the hotel lobby, commercial space on the ground, and mechanicals will be updated. An outdoor pool will be enclosed.
The building façade will consist of brick veneer, reinforced concrete precast elements at the base, and a decorative spandrel glass panel system to cap the building as cornice and trim details. Building colors will consist of natural brown brick, grey precast material, and solar grey glass with an off-white metal panel system as accenting trim and cornices.
Work on the Fontanese Folts Aubrecht Ernst-designed project is expected to be complete by July. The Preservation Board approved the plans in September.