MINNEAPOLIS—Carlson started construction on the $137.5 million, 500-room Radisson Blu Hotel that will adjoin the Mall of America here.
Mortenson is the developer and general contractor, and Carlson Hotels has a 40-year management contract to manage the hotel. Carlson and Mortenson are equity partners in the hotel.
Situated on the Mall’s south side, the upper-upscale hote is expected to open in March 2013.
“This is a major milestone in achieving our Ambition 2015 growth strategy, which includes opening landmark Radisson Blu hotels in key gateway cities and destinations in the United States,” said Thorsten Kirschke, COO/Carlson Hotels and president/Carlson Hotels, Americas. “While we have several other Radisson Blu projects currently being evaluated, this property represents our second Radisson Blu development signed for the U.S. The Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago, the first Radisson Blu signed in the country, will mark the debut of the upper-upscale, contemporary Radisson Blu tier when it opens in November 2011.”
Designed by project architect ESG, the 13-story Radisson Blu at Mall of America will be the first hotel connected to the mall by skyway. The hotel’s drive-up entry will be on the ground floor and the lobby will be situated on the mall’s second floor.
Guestrooms will feature three distinctive Radisson room styles, including Mansion House, Naturally Cool and Urban. Recreational facilities will include a full-service spa, a fitness facility and an indoor swimming pool. Conference facilities will include more than 22,500 square feet of meeting and event space, encompassing two ballrooms. There will be a concierge lounge and floor with upgraded rooms and amenities.
The hotel will feature a FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar, the restaurant concept at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in downtown Minneapolis.