Marriott Briefing Update

Last night I was pleased to attend the Blagden Alley Association's Marriott briefing at the Convention Center.  Marriott's reps gave a nice presentation on a giant screen of the brand new convention center mega marriott due to break ground 1st Q 2009 & shall be completed in 2012.  its still in concept but its nice n glassy with a big atrium in the middle.  The historic pipe fitters union building will be incorporated.  the site will be connnected to the convention center for underground truck loading & pedestrian traffic.  retail will be various eateries with ample sidewalk cafes on each corner, activating the streetscape.  big setback on Mass ave for valet dropoff, cafes, etc...they will be developing traffic plan, hiring 51% dc residents, job training thru the WCCA.  as far as the site on the north side of the 900 block of L, they plan 2 smaller hotels to be completed about the same time in 2012, but the planning for that will be forthcoming.  plans shall be online soon and we shall post when they appear.

(imho) Dear Marriott:  please do not make the same mistake that DC government has in building a big fancy facility that has a lovely view of vacant boarded up rotting buildings.  you own them so it should be easier for you.  thanks a bunch!