Destination Guides
The Carolinas
by Michael C. LoweSeptember 1, 2012
FYI
• In July, the Charlotte (N.C.) Convention Center began an overhaul that includes enhanced wired and wireless Internet capabilities, improved cell phone connectivity and updated network cabling.
• Last December, the Wilmington (N.C.) Convention Center was awarded LEED Silver certification. Among cool features: a sophisticated sand-filtration system that prevents pollutants from entering the nearby Cape Fear River.
• The Raleigh (N.C.) Convention Center is adding a 500-kilowatt solar energy system, which will reduce the facility's carbon dioxide emissions by about 500 tons annually.
Other Cities, Other Sites
ASHEVILLE, N.C. The Grove Park Inn will celebrate its 100th birthday with a $25 million renovation of its public areas, 512 guest rooms, dining outlets, meeting spaces and spa. The work will be completed in three phases, with the first to be finished in March 2013. The 161-acre property offers 55,000 square feet of meeting space.
Contact: (800) 438-5800
SHELBY, N.C. The 44,000-square-foot LeGrand Center is expected to open later this month on the campus of Cleveland Community College. The $19 million venue, which is expected to be LEED Silver certified, will be able to accommodate 1,700 attendees.
Contact: (704) 964-7745
CHARLESTON, S.C. The Courtyard Charleston Historic District, a Courtyard by Marriott property, recently opened with 176 guest rooms and more than 7,700 square feet of meeting space.
Contact: (843) 805-7900
HILTON HEAD. S.C. The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa currently is undergoing a $30 million renovation of its 412 guest rooms, main lobby, meeting spaces, restaurants and bars. The work is set for completion next March. The property offers more than 30,000 square feet of meeting space.
Contact: (843) 681-4000
The 323-room Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort is spending approximately $18 million to revamp its pool area, lobby entrance, courtyard, meeting space and guest rooms. Work is expected to be completed early 2014. The resort has 25,000 square feet for meetings.
Contact: (843) 842-8000
COLUMBIA, S.C. The 285-room Columbia Marriott Downtown will began a renovation this winter that will touch upon all guest rooms, all 27,000 square feet of meeting space and the lobby. The project is expected to wrap up by the end of the year.
Contact: (803) 771-7000