Broadway Convention Hotel
Located on the Mississippi river in Natchez, Mississippi, this downtown redevelopment project created a focal point for the area and a gathering center. The first floor consisted of large meeting rooms and support spaces while the upper four floors were hotel rooms and suites. In all, 80,000 square feet of space was constructed on a “Front Street” that presented a brick and stone front, iron-railing balconies, and brick sidewalks. The architectural firm, based in New Orleans, was still recovering from hurricane Katrina, but LSA was able to coordinate successfully through electronic means and face-to-face meetings. Hotel developers, by nature, are frugal and time-sensitive. This required an awareness of expenses, both first cost and operating cost. This challenge was joined by keeping a Southern style of interior that blended with the local flavor by using lighting fixtures that reflected this look. Also, the structure was fairly low and tight which necessitated good coordination of all systems. A pool on site was incorporated into the project with interior mechanical support. Long distance projects including developers, architects, engineers, and contractors, all in different cities, needs prompt attention to questions, design and construction issues. This was achieved successfully with electronic communications, exchange of drawing files, and teleconferences as well as team meetings.