Carlson Hotels has announced that it has signed a landmark agreement to develop the first Radisson Blu hotel in the United States. This US$125m development in Chicago is scheduled to open in the autumn of 2011. It marks the company’s most important investment so far as part of Carlson Hotels’ Ambition 2015 growth strategy.
Carlson, president and chief executive officer, Hubert Joly said: “Our ambition is to establish flagship hotels in major cities in the U.S., and the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel is a major step towards realizing that goal.”
Ambition 2015 is fueled by an investment program of up to US$1.5bn focused on positioning Radisson in North America as a powerful, globally consistent first-class brand. Recognized for its contemporary design, Radisson Blu delivers upper-upscale hospitality.
A joint venture between Carlson Hotels and Aqua at Lakeshore East LLC owner and developer, Magellan Development Group, Chicago’s Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel will be located on 18 floors of the 81-story tower. The mixed-use residential property received the 2009 Skyscraper of the Year Award for its shape, the appearance of which changes dramatically depending on the perspective.
Carlson Hotels, The Americas, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Thorsten Kirschke said: “This venture is part of the moves we are making to align our U.S. brand with our global standards.”
