Italian marble dresses up hotel redesign

After four years in the making, Phase II of a multi-million-dollar renovation of the Atlanta Marriott Marquis in Atlanta, GA, has been successfully completed. This phase of the project focused on the addition of the new Atrium Ballroom and fitness center and spa as well as the renovation of the existing Marquis Ballroom, main lobby and front desk. A refined chic look was achieved in the main public spaces with Italian marble and limestone.

“The existing building was outdated and worn, and it was in need of significant programmatic, functional and finish upgrades,” said Project Manager Chris Curley of Thompson, Ventulett, Stainback & Associates (TVS), an architectural firm with offices in Chicago, IL, Atlanta, GA, Dubai, UAE, and Shanghai, China. “The renovation expansion’s goal was no less ambitious than a complete reinvention of the hotel, reconsidering every element with regard to the architectural marvel of the existing atrium.”

One area of the hotel that experienced a complete transformation is the main lobby. A new reception desk was built, the concierge desk was relocated and new seating areas were added - creating a striking space for guests upon arrival. The redesign also involved separating the new front desk into sections, allowing employees to readily reach the guests. Additionally, new self-service check-in kiosks were installed into a custom millwork surround.

White Venatino marble slabs contribute to the overall classy design of the main lobby. The material was used to form the front desk counters and faces. Complementing the white marble is wenge wood below and anegre wood pedestals.

“Stone was the material of first choice because of the high level of finish and the durability that the project required,” said Curley. “White Venatino is a white marble with gray veining. The white brought in a clean modern look, while the gray veining tied into some existing marble on the project that was to remain.”

The White Venatino marble was also utilized for panels in the porte cochere and the facing of the hotel bar Pulse. Moreover, the walls in the porte cochere that come into the lobby are comprised of limestone with a split-face finish - bringing texture to the design.

For the flooring in the main lobby, Bianca Verona and Zimbabwe granite were chosen. The stone was installed in a 24- x 24-inch format. According to the design team, selecting a stone to work with the existing marble that was to remain on the Atrium level posed a bit of a challenge.

“That particular stone was original to the building, and it was no longer available,” explained Interior Design Project Manager Roxanne Otto Harrell, adding that the client was involved and approved all material selections. “We wanted to find a stone that would complement the existing without looking like we were trying to match it exactly. We settled on a white/gray granite with brown flecks to coordinate with the gray/white veined marble.”

The Phase II renovation/expansion project of the Atlanta Marriott Marquis began in March of 2004 and was completed in August of 2008. The design team was on site weekly to oversee the installation of the stonework.

“It was overwhelmingly successful,” said Otto Harrell. All aspects of the renovation included an upgrade to the very latest in technology and access infrastructure to support the audio-visual needs of almost any type of event, according to TVS. “The new design is a reinvention of the space and pushes the hotel into the 21st century in the hotel meeting and convention industry,” stated the design team.  

Sidebar: Atlanta Marriott Marquis

Phase II Renovation

Atlanta, GA

Architect: Thompson, Ventulett, Stainback & Associates (TVS), Atlanta, GA

Interior Designer: TVS Interiors, Atlanta, GA

Stone Supplier/Installer: Andrews