DESIGN NARRATIVE 

The BLOCK 67 project is located on a 6.45-acre development between 200 West and 300 West, 200 South and 100 South. The planned development contemplates approximately 7 to 8 buildings of residential, hospitality, retail and parking use that will be executed in two phases. Block 67 Hotel is the first phase of a 2.5 million sqft mixed-use project that challenges the typical 10-acre Salt Lake City block by proposing a development centered around a new mid-block street, resting on a below grade parking garage. Le Méridien & Element is a dual brand, lifestyle hotel that balances the requirements of each brand while sharing back of house facilities. The program is composed of 272 guestrooms with a ground level restaurant, 6,000sqft ballroom, roof terrace bar and pool. 

Architecturally, the Le Méridien & Element Hotel is a contemporary interpretation of the traditional warehouse architecture style reflecting the history of the Gateway district and its vernacular architecture.  A large volume of white brick fenestrated with double story glazing sits above a dark charcoal brick base. Muntins further articulates the areas of glazing and solidifies the warehouse imagery. Areas of natural wood are employed to bring warmth to the more human scaled spaces, all while balancing the demands of well-established international hotel brands.

PERFORMANCE NARRATIVE 

Initially envisioned as a limited-service hotel, the project anticipated use of electric, thru-wall, packaged terminal air conditioning units (PTAC’s) and had no sustainability goals.  Through early energy modeling, the design team, with the assistance of HKS DesignGreen team, was able to demonstrate long-term benefits and energy and cost savings of a hot and chilled water four-pipe system with fan coil units.   Coupled with building envelope performance and other energy reduction measures, the project set a goal to meet LEED Silver requirements, whether the project decides to pursue certification or not.  The increased energy performance and quality of design resulted in the rebranding of the lifestyle select service hotel to a lifestyle full-service hotel.