Indiana
- The $275 million expansion of the Indiana Convention Center made its debut in January, propelling the facility from the 32nd largest to the 16th largest convention center in the U.S. The expanded center now offers 566,600 square feet of contiguous exhibit space, plus 83 meeting and ballroom spaces. When combined with the attached Lucas Oil Stadium, the facilities offer 749,100 square feet of exhibit space. This expansion project culminates $3 billion in new tourism-related developments in Indianapolis over the last three years, including the new JW Marriott Indianapolis that opened in February. For more information, call 317.262.3400.
- Four Points by Sheraton West Lafayette, adjacent to Purdue Research Park and one mile from Purdue University, is scheduled to open in late spring. The former University Plaza Hotel has undergone a complete overhaul, with extensive renovations to guest rooms and public areas, and other enhancements throughout the property. The hotel will offer 171 guest rooms and suites, meeting facilities, two restaurants, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and complimentary Wi-Fi access in guest rooms and public places. For more information, call 765.463.5511.
Minneapolis
- The Crowne Plaza Hotel & Suites Minneapolis International Airport-Mall of America debuted following a conversion from the Holiday Inn flag. The 13-story, 430-room hotel features over 16,000 square feet of meeting space. Other amenities include free wireless Internet in guest rooms and public areas, a 24-hour business center and Olympic-sized indoor pool. For more information, call 952. 854.9000.
- Operating under new management, the 564-room Sheraton Bloomington Hotel, Minneapolis South will undergo a $12.5 million renovation expected to be finished by mid-year 2012. The hotel will be converted from a Sheraton to a Doubletree during the third quarter of 2011. For more information, call 952.835.7800.
Missouri
- A historic downtown Kansas City building is slated to reopen as The Grand Hotel following an $11 million renovation. The Gate City National Bank building, which opened in 1920, is scheduled to reopen in about a year as a 43-room upscale boutique property.