Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/572452
11 B M & T ••• May/June 2015 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com R elated Companies, Coastal Construction, Hilton Worldwide executives, meeting planners, Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach city officials and civic leaders celebrated recently at a topping out ceremony of the long awaited 400-room Hilton West Palm Beach, connected to the Palm Beach County Convention Center. "We are thrilled to celebrate this important milestone with Palm Beach County, the City of West Palm Beach and Hilton Hotels & Resorts. The impeccably designed hotel will be a great amenity for the region and the ensure West Palm Beach's competitive edge in the meetings and hospitality sec- tor," said Related Urban president and CEO, Kenneth A. Himmel. Today's event marks a significant milestone in the construction of the impressive 12-story structure, which is scheduled to open in early 2016. Just 11 months after breaking ground, the hotel com- memorated the traditional event with the rising of a cere- monial palm tree at the top of the hotel's final roof top level. The collaborative efforts of the construction and project teams were recognized by Ted Ratcliff, senior vice president, Hilton Worldwide, Americas Operations - Eastern North America. "It is an important day for both Palm Beach County and the City of West Palm Beach as our vision to create a distinctive, contemporary meeting and convention hotel with resort amenities is becoming a reality," noted Ratcliff. "After years of planning and working closely with Related and Coastal Construction, we will soon open our doors to accommodate both leisure and convention guests in unprecedented style. " The topping out was attended by Palm Beach Co unty Board of County Commissioners Mayor Shelley Vana; mayor of West Palm Beach, Jeri Muoio; Related Companies executive vice president – Coastal Construction, Tom C. Murphy and senior vice president of Operations, Eastern North America for Hilton Worldwide, Ted Ratcliff; and dozens of local business, government and tourism leaders. Hilton West Palm Beach offers a design conducive to productiv- ity and relaxation, along with amenities that meet the needs of both professional planners and attendees. Directly accessible via a covered walkway from the Palm Beach County Convention Center, Hilton West Palm Beach presents a spectacular setting for conventions, trade shows, meetings and social events. An architectural masterpiece with state-of-the-art amenities designed to embrace guests' needs, the hotel will offer 400 refined and contemporary guestrooms including 25 stylish suites, an expansive and lush pool deck accented with cabanas and an outdoor fire pit, a bountiful state-of-the-art fitness center, an eclectic and curated art program as well as energetic food & beverage program including a lobby bar, restaurant & lounge and poolside bar and grill. Dedicated function space offers an easy flow between general ses- sions, while exquisite manicured lawns provide the perfect backdrop for catered events. The 350,000-sq. ft. Palm Beach County Convention Center features a 100,000-sq. ft. exhibit hall, a 22,000- sq. ft. ballroom and 21,000 square feet of flexible breakout space divisible into 19 rooms. Pictured above L to R: Bruce Warwick, vice chairman Related Companies; Gopal Rajegowda vice president of Development Related Companies, Stephen Ross, chairman and founder Related Companies, Ted Ratcliff, senior vice president Operations Eastern North America, Hilton Worldwide; Leslie A. Pchola, area vice pres- ident, Hilton Worldwide; Luis Lamar, regional vice president Sales & Marketing, Hilton Worldwide, Edd Karlan, director of Sales & Marketing for Hilton West Palm Beach and David Harrison, Vice President of Design & Construction Related Companies. HILTON WEST PALM BEACH CELEBRATES TOPPING OUT Hotel Expands Palm Beach County's Convention Center Offerings