Williams Engineering (WE) was pleased to provide mechanical engineering consulting services for the design and construction of a thirteen storey, 320 rooms, full service hotel containing both the East Village Hilton Garden Inn and the Homewood Inn and Suites branding with one level of underground parking. The two hotel brands are divided as two wings of the same building. The main entrance for each Hotel brand is located off of 4th Street with an alternate group entrance located off the lane to the South within a feature landscaped plaza and outdoor seating area.
The main floor contains the check-in area for the Hilton Garden Inn, the commercial kitchen, laundry facilities, restaurant, administration, back of house functions and lobby areas. The second floor contains the check-in area for the Homewood Inn and Suites, meeting rooms, pool, fitness facilities, a library and business centre, and more administration offices.
Integration of the two different hotel mechanical systems provided a unique challenge in regard to controlling the air circulation in the shared lobby. Common amenities such as the pool and fitness center were located in the building podium for centralized access. This location also presented the opportunity to locate the additional mechanical equipment in close proximity to the spaces they service in order to provide the most cost effective solution.
The hotel is located in an inner city community where the general public is able to interact with all sides of the building. Therefore, it was necessary to incorporate the mechanical equipment into the architectural design and not detract from the exterior appearance of the building. WE was happy to contribute to the philosophy of creating an inviting social atmosphere, high end amenities and an overall great guest experience.
