JULY 21, 2008. The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island has commenced construction on a $22.1 million ballroom addition, concluding a 14-year effort to increase the footprint of the oceanfront resort. Upon completion in the fall of 2009, the new facility will add 12,000 square feet of available meeting space to the property, making it one of the largest conference hotels in the region.
“Shortly after we opened in 1991, it became clear that our long-term success would depend on an eventual expansion,” said Katharine Monahan, general manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. “This project is a critical component of our master plan to improve the guest experience, maintain relevance in an increasingly competitive marketplace, and provide continued value to our community.”
Hotel executives believe the new ballroom, which will give the property 35,000 total square feet of meeting space, will diversify and expand the existing client base by balancing large group business with social events. With two sizeable function areas and a variety of smaller breakout rooms, the hotel can attract conferences with greater space requirements, while increasing their share of lucrative destination wedding business.
The project was approved by hotel ownership, Host Hotels & Resorts, on June 30. PCL Construction Services, Inc., with past projects including expansions of the Orlando World Center Marriott and the Las Vegas Convention Center, was awarded the construction contract.
The ballroom addition will be built above an existing parking structure, resulting in minimal impact for hotel guests during the construction period. The exterior view of the property will be significantly altered to create a more dramatic sense of arrival. Initial construction began on July 14, with the removal of temporary meeting facilities and grounds preparation. Structural demolition and an official groundbreaking ceremony are scheduled for October.
The new ballroom is the latest development in the ongoing physical evolution of the resort. In 2006, the hotel constructed a 27,500 square foot full-service spa, underwent a complete renovation of Salt, the signature AAA Five Diamond restaurant, and opened the OurSpace teen zone. Future projects for 2009 and beyond include design updates for the hotel lobby and guest rooms, as well as a contemporary new look for employee uniforms.
