Watch CBS News

Exterior Construction On Wyndham Grand Almost Complete

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - The former Hilton hotel downtown is now known as the Wyndham Grand, but for years, the on-again mostly off-again construction has been an embarrassment to all.

All that could be ending soon as the exterior construction of the addition is almost completed and work is underway inside.

"On the ground level, we have new meeting rooms being added. On the second level, we have new meeting rooms being added. And we also have some changes to our lobby, mostly aesthetic. We are going to move our lobby bar. We're going to be changing the size and scope of our lobby," Tom Hemer said.

For over three years, visitors have seen artificial walls. However, by March, the walls will disappear, which will bring a whole new look to the Wyndham Grand and the people of this city.

Most obvious to visitors will be a new grand ballroom staircase opposite the current reception desk.

"Every bride that comes into the hotel will want to be photographed on the stairs, the bridal party, the gowns flowing down," Hemer said.

As impressive as that staircase may be, it's the view from a new second level ballroom out over Point State Park that the Wyndham Grand hopes will become a popular choice for wedding receptions, bar mitzvahs, and other social gatherings.

"It's going to be about 10,000 square feet. So, it's sweet spot will be about 250, 400, 500 people depending on the type of event that you want to do," Hemer said.

For overnight guests, the Wyndham Grand is expanding their athletic facilities with a new swimming pool

The question remains, will it all be done by march?

"I've got my fingers crossed. That's what we've been told, so that's what we're planning for," Hemer said.

RELATED LINKS

More Local News
More Business NewsMore Reports From Jon Delano

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.