Detroit
- Cobo Convention Center (www.cobocenter.com) is more than halfway through a five-year expansion and renovation. The property is remaining open throughout construction. The $279 million project added a new 30,000-square-foot atrium and a 40,000-square-foot ballroom in late 2013. A 5,000-square-foot video production facility, exterior video walls for displaying event information and a terrace overlooking the river are still under way. The project is scheduled for completion in 2015.
- The property formerly known as Detroit Riverside Hotel reopened in 2013 as the Crowne Plaza Detroit Downtown Riverfront (www.ihg.com). Originally known as the Pontchartrain Hotel when it opened in 1965, the historic property is located directly across from Cobo Center. The luxury hotel offers 371 guest rooms and 11,000 square feet of meeting space.
- The 124-room Hyatt Place Detroit/Novi (www.hyatt.com) opened in September 2013. The property is connected to the 215,000-square-foot Suburban Collection Showplace and the Diamond Convention Center, which has 30 meeting rooms. Novi is located just northwest of Detroit.
- The 136-room Aloft Detroit (www.starwoodhotels.com) is scheduled to open in December. The first Aloft property in Michigan, it is being constructed in the historic David Whitney building. Located downtown in Grand Circus Park, the property will also offer event space, restaurants, a bar and a lounge.
- Detroit could have a new multipurpose arena (www.visitdetroit.com) as early as 2016. The $450 million venue would be home to hockey’s Detroit Red Wings as well as being available for a wide range of other events. The 650,000-square-foot arena would offer 18,000 seats just four blocks north of the Fox Theatre and Comerica Park. The project is expected to inspire additional development nearby, including a potential hotel.
Ann Arbor
- A working farm, educational attraction and meeting venue for 300, Cornman Farms (www.cornmanfarms.com) opened in May in Dexter. The property comprises an antebellum barn and farmhouse and 42 acres of farmland.
- Holiday Inn Ann Arbor Near the University of Michigan (www.hiannarbor.com) recently completed a $5 million renovation project. Expanded meeting space can now accommodate 400, and the hotel has 225 updated guest rooms.