$25M Renovation to Begin on Downtown Mpls. Hyatt

A $25 million renovation of the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis will begin this month.

The renovation—which will be complete in late spring 2012—will reinvigorate the downtown Minneapolis hotel’s guest rooms, suites, public areas, and restaurants, and the architecture and design will incorporate elements that reflect Minnesota’s culture and history.

For example, the Scandinavian heritage and Nordic influence prevalent within the state inspired both the lobby and guest room design. The lobby’s central feature is an expansive stone fireplace framed by rustic wooden logs. A lobby bar allows guests to enjoy drinks by the fireplace as they overlook Nicollet Mall through floor-to-ceiling windows. The Hyatt said that an “upscale three-meal restaurant” for the renovated space will be announced soon.

Meanwhile, the hotel’s 533 guest rooms will feature leather chairs, walnut desks, “green” waste baskets with built-in recycling compartments, and original artwork—including an image of the iconic Gold Medal Flour building overlooking the Mississippi River, an aerial view of Minneapolis, and a modern rendering of actress Ingrid Bergman, which uses masking tape from Maplewood-based 3M as the primary medium.

Remodeled guest bathrooms will feature granite that’s locally quarried and was purchased from 113-year-old company Cold Spring Granite in Cold Spring.

“This major renovation will enhance Hyatt Regency Minneapolis’ stellar reputation as a premier hotel for travelers in the Twin Cities, especially given our proximity to the Minneapolis Convention Center,” Hyatt Regency Minneapolis General Manager Randy Thompson said in a statement.

The architecture and design concept was created by New York-based Stonehill & Taylor.

“From Red Wing Stoneware pieces in guest rooms to granite from local mines and work by local artists, we are proud to integrate local trade and crafts into our design as a celebration of all things Minnesota,” Stonehill & Taylor Principal Michael Suomi said in a statement.

The Hyatt Regency Minneapolis is the state’s fifth-largest hotel based on rooms. It offers 74,000 feet of meeting space, a business center, wireless Internet access, various dining options, an indoor pool, and a health club.