Marriott Breaks Ground on "Green" Hotels in Virginia

The JBG Companies and Marriott International, Inc. officially broke ground on two major hotels, the Renaissance Crystal City Potomac Yards and the Residence Inn Crystal City Potomac Yards. The hotels are owned by The JBG Companies and will be managed by Marriott. Both properties are also anticipated to be LEED® certified “green” buildings when complete – the first hotels of such distinction in Arlington County.

The properties will also feature an energy saving “green roof’ with plants and trees, providing a relaxing space for guests overlooking the U.S. Capitol and Potomac River. Guests at the ground breaking ceremony were offered blue spruce saplings as gifts - but were given the opportunity to donate the tree on their behalf to the Arlington County Department of Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources. Over 50 trees were donated to Arlington County to be planted in parks in the area.

Anticipated to open in winter 2010, The Renaissance Crystal City Potomac Yards Hotel and The Residence Inn Crystal City Potomac Yards will create approximately 500 new jobs. The location adjacent to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport will also appeal to guests visiting the Washington, D.C. area for both business and pleasure. In addition to bringing 625 new hotel rooms to Arlington County, the hotels will offer 10,000 square feet of meeting rooms to satisfy the rising demand for conference space, with additional amenities that include 10,000 square feet of retail space and over 500 underground parking spaces.

The 13-story, 300-room full-service Renaissance will feature an expansive lobby, restaurant, branded coffee shop, and an amenity floor with a 10,000 square foot grand ballroom and 10,000 square feet of meeting rooms. The property’s design includes a large glass façade along Potomac Avenue, which will provide picturesque views of the Capitol and Potomac River.

The southern end of the building will house the 325-room Residence Inn, Marriott’s popular extended-stay brand. Rooms will be equipped with kitchens providing full-size refrigerators, coffee makers, microwaves, and dishwashers as well as full silverware and dishware sets. The lobby will feature a lounge and business center, and an outdoor hearth will be centrally located in the park at Potomac Yards. The Residence Inn’s lobby has been designed for unique identification by its large tower which will be at the corner of Potomac Avenue and 29th Street.