Stay up to date on the latest venue openings and property renovations, including these found around Mid-America. (Photo: University of Chicago’s David Rubenstein Forum, photo courtesy of Brett Beyer.)
Chicago
The University of Chicago’s David Rubenstein Forum, an innovative new meeting facility on its South Side campus, is now open for booking. The 10-story building, targeted for LEED Gold certification, provides the University with much-needed meeting spaces for workshops, symposia, lectures and other activities, and is also available to corporate and non-profit groups.
Centrally located at the intersection of 60th Street and Woodlawn Avenue, the David Rubenstein Forum features a biophilic design that offers expansive natural light and views of the campus, the city skyline, Lake Michigan and the historic Midway Plaisance.
The Forum’s contemporary design features approximately 70,000 square feet of usable interior space, including:
- Friedman Hall, an auditorium equipped to accommodate 285 guests with adjacent pre-function space
- The multi-purpose University Room which can accommodate a 500-guest banquet, 600-plus via theater seating, or be divided into two rooms of 250 guests each
- The top floor City View Room providing a more formal setting with expansive views accommodating up to 145 guests
- A variety of meeting and smaller breakout rooms
For food and beverage options, the Forum features the BARDAVID street-level wine bar and cafe, which accommodates up to 74 guests, in addition to an upscale dining room designed to seat up to 84 guests, with the option for clients to host private evening events in an adjacent VIP space.
Oklahoma
Hyatt Place Tulsa/Downtown officially opened in December and is the first Hyatt Place hotel in downtown Tulsa and the second within city limits, joining Hyatt Place Tulsa-South/Medical Center. The 103-room hotel is located the historical 14-story Boston Building and will offer business and leisure travelers an open concept and practical amenities.
Hyatt Place Tulsa/Downtown guest room, photo courtesy of Hyatt Place Tulsa/Downtown
Hyatt Place Tulsa/Downtown is a stroll away from downtown hot spots and attractions including the BOK Center, Cox Convention Center, Tulsa Performing Arts Center and the Tulsa Art Deco Museum, as well as many dining options and more. The hotel offers flexible, high-tech meeting and event space, including the Mezzanine Room on the second floor and the View Gallery and Event space located on the 14th floor with views of downtown Tulsa.
[Read more about Mid-America destinations]
Michigan
Cambria Hotels continues its expansion across the U.S. with the opening of the Cambria Hotel Detroit-Shelby Township. The four-story, 98-room hotel is the brand's second hotel to open in Michigan, joining the Cambria Hotel Traverse City, while the Cambria Hotel Detroit Downtown is expected to open next year.
Cambria Hotel Detroit-Shelby Township lobby, photo courtesy of Cambria Hotels
Ideally situated for business and leisure travelers, the property is nearby Cherry Creek Corporate Park and also offers convenient access to Michigan Highway, so guests can take a short drive to downtown Detroit where they can visit several national corporate headquarters, including Ford, General Motors, Chrysler and Quicken Loans, as well as take in events when safely permitted at the TCF Convention Center, Little Caesars Arena, Comerica Park and Ford Field.
The Cambria Hotel Detroit-Shelby Township features 1,500 square feet of multi-function meeting and event space along with multi-purpose indoor and outdoor spaces for productive work or relaxation, including an indoor heated pool. The property also offers on-site dining, Verona by Fabio Viviani, featuring freshly made food, local craft beer on tap, wine and specialty cocktails.
Wisconsin
Crescent Hotels & Resorts opened the new Residence Inn Milwaukee Brookfield in December 2020. The extended stay hotel is nestled in a quiet resort-style setting with views of the Brookfield Hills executive golf course that surrounds the property. It is minutes away from downtown Milwaukee and only one mile from the Brookfield Conference Center.
Residence Inn Milwaukee Brookfield courtyard, photo courtesy of Residence Inn Milwaukee Brookfield
Residence Inn Milwaukee Brookfield offers fully-equipped kitchens, a 535-square-foot meeting room for up to 24 guests, fitness center, indoor pool and two outdoor courtyards featuring a fireplace, fire pit and grill. Guests can also enjoy a complimentary full hot breakfast buffet, evening socials, a grab-and-go market, on-site bar and restaurant.
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