My Commentor

We received a comment on our post about the hotel design, and we thought it warranted a response

I am confused. What exactly did everyone expect/want...I guess I just don't understand what the complaints are of the hotel or the design. There is a reason large chains use 'mchotels' as was stated above. Travelers Want familiar layouts and facades. Any marketer knows this---especially successful corps like the Marriott. Having this type of hotel makes sense: it has broader appeal and also allows the Hilton to continue to target those who want a slightly upper tier hotel.

It is too bad that this site has really turned into a haven for whiners and complainers. I have no doubt that if there had been an expensive upper tier Marriott there would be a plethera of posts complaining about the high cost for an overnight stay.

It is too bad that this site could not become a place for people to think outside the box and look at things in a more positive and progressive light.

This was a comment we received on one of our latest post about the hotel HS is about to receive. We are not being negative at all, remember, we have been pro Harrison Square this entire time, all we are trying to convey is that Fort Wayne deserves something great. Specifically on a project that is unpopular with as many people as it is, we need something great. Believe me, we would not be complaining about an upper tier Marriott, nor would we be complaining if we brought in a Ritz or a W.

What did we expect? I'll propose a different question, what did you expect for 48 Million dollars? Did you expect the most current design? Did you expect a, as you say, McHotel. We're getting the new baseball stadium for 30 and look how great that looks. Also, I'd Say you're dead wrong about hotel designs - I'll give you an example and I'll even use the same architects that designed our preliminary design.
















Notice the sign on the front? This design was for outside Jacobs Field. Does this look like - as you say, McHotel? Does this in anyway resemble the release yesterday? Check out the PFVS portfolio HERE. They've got some great designs. Downtown is a place that should give people something different, something they can not get anywhere in the city, it needs to draw people. Thats why its so important not to have another - as you say, McHotel. You're telling us to think outside of the box, but in your first paragraph you're saying we need to have the regular inside the box thinking/design for the hotel? Which one is it?

Most of all, we're not being negative about this project, if anything I- personally am nervous. Fort Wayne has one shot at doing a project this large - correctly. No matter what, success or fail, HS will be referenced in future talks of Downtown redevelopment. Thats why it is so imperative to get HS done correctly.

I'm going to go get a, as you say, McMuffin.