WYOMING, MI (OCT. 12, 2009) – In a first for Grand Rapids and the Hyatt Place® brand, Hyatt Place Grand Rapids-South has achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for sustainability by the U.S. Green Building Certification Institute.
Hyatt Place Grand Rapids-South achieved LEED certification for energy use, lighting, water and material use, as well as a variety of other sustainable strategies, which include:
- Occupancy sensors in all guestrooms that automatically adjust heating, cooling and lighting levels when the room is unoccupied
- Landscaping that requires less water to maintain
- Reduced water consumption thanks to low-flow faucets, showerheads and toilets
- The use of regional construction materials
- Dedicated areas for the collection and storage of recycled materials
- Preferred parking spaces for low-emitting/fuel efficient and car/van pool vehicles
The principles that govern the LEED certification process closely align with the Hyatt overarching commitment to minimize waste, energy consumption, water consumption and carbon emissions and other harmful pollutants wherever possible at its hotels.
“Hyatt hotels around the world have implemented a number of environmental initiatives and we are thrilled to have our second U.S. hotel receive LEED certification,” said Brigitta Witt, vice president, environmental affairs, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts. “Our company is committed to building and operating hotels in ways that reflect the policies of the USGBC and other leading environmental organizations.”
Hyatt Place Grand Rapids-South is owned by the Oxford Fund, an affiliate of Pittsburgh-based Oxford Development Company, and was designed by the Chicago office of architecture firm Cubellis.
“Oxford has a history of building successful, sustainable buildings and would like to thank our partners who assisted in building Hyatt Place Grand Rapids-South, especially the project architect, Cubellis,” said Scott Bergstein, vice president, Oxford. “While following LEED standards does require additional capital at the project’s inception, we believe the long-term ROI a sustainable building provides makes it well worth the investment.”
HYATT PLACE BACKGROUND
Hyatt Place hotels offer authentic Hyatt hospitality in a contemporary, casual environment specially designed for today’s 24/7 lifestyle. Spacious guestrooms feature multiple areas to work and relax and include the Cozy Corner™, a plush eight-foot couch; luxurious Hyatt Grand Bed™; and ergonomic work center. Every guestroom is also equipped with an in-room refrigerator for convenience and a state-of-the-art media center, featuring the Hyatt Plug Panel™, a special connectivity tool that allows electronic devices to plug directly into the 42-inch high definition television.
In the Gallery, the hotel’s public space, guests can socialize or be ‘alone together’ in a relaxed atmosphere. Here, guests find friendly Hyatt Place Gallery Hosts, trained to do everything from give directions to whip up a fresh meal around the clock. Other 24-hour conveniences include a StayFit@Hyatt fitness center; Bakery Café offering Starbucks® specialty coffees, premium wine and beer and baked goods; the Grab ‘n Go case stocked with freshly made sandwiches and salads; and Guest Kitchen, where guests can also find a complimentary continental breakfast served daily. The entrance to the outdoor swimming pool is also located in the Gallery.
Complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the hotel guarantees guests will remain as connected and productive while traveling as at home or in the office.
Hyatt Place hotels have opened in more than 135 locations nationwide, including Atlanta, Birmingham, Chicago, Cincinnati, Dallas, Houston, Louisville, Miami, Phoenix, Orlando, San Antonio, Tampa and Washington, D.C.
About Hyatt Place
Hyatt Place brings the authentic hospitality for which Hyatt is known to the upscale select-service category. Inspired by multitasking travelers’ 24/7 lifestyle, Hyatt Place combines stylish design, practical amenities, forward-thinking technology and purposeful service so guests can remain connected and productive while traveling. Hyatt Place is a brand of Hyatt Hotels Corporation that currently offers more than 130 locations throughout the United States. For Hyatt Place information or to make a reservation, call 1-888-HYATT-HP (888-492-8847) or visit www.HyattPlace.com.
About Hyatt Hotels Corporation
Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company with a proud heritage of making guests feel more than welcome. Thousands of members of the Hyatt family in 45 countries strive to make a difference in the lives of the guests they encounter every day by providing authentic hospitality. The company’s subsidiaries manage, franchise, own and develop hotels and resorts under the Hyatt®, Park Hyatt®, Andaz™, Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt Place® and Hyatt Summerfield Suites™ brand names and have locations under development on five continents. Hyatt Vacation Ownership, Inc., a Hyatt Hotels Corporation subsidiary, develops and operates vacation ownership properties under the Hyatt Vacation Club® brand. As of June 30, 2009, the company’s worldwide portfolio consisted of 413 properties. For more information, please visit www.hyatt.com.
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Amy Patti
Hyatt Hotels & Resorts
(312) 780-5620
amy.patti@hyatt.com