DALLAS, RTKL, recently ranked 4th in Hotel and Motel Management magazine's 2002 listing of leading hospitality architects, is responsible for the architecture and environmental graphic design of the new $175 million Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate, now under construction. The luxury resort, located five miles from Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, is the largest hotel project to break ground since the terrorist attacks of September 2001 brought hospitality industry growth to a standstill.

"The Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate is definitely indication that good deals can still get done in this industry," said Principal in Charge Todd C. Lundgren AIA, NCARB, of RTKL's Dallas office. However, the property is equally significant as a four-star quality resort in a key growth market for the client, Omni Hotels.

"The project's size and scope are important, especially given the timing, but the resort stands on its own as a world-class destination," said Lundgren.

An integral component of the $750 million ChampionsGate master-planned community developed by Apollo Real Estate Advisors of New York City and RIDA Development Corporation of Houston, the 730-key hotel overlooks two Greg Norman-designed golf courses on a 1,200-acre complex. Its design complements the neo-Mediterranean architecture of the surrounding development without literal use of the typical motifs and materials.

The guestroom component consists of four staggered towers that vary in height from seven to sixteen stories, affording unique vistas from guest rooms and suites, guest corridors and elevator lobbies. A two-story base beneath the towers houses reception, food and beverage outlets and conference facilities, together with administration, and back of house services.

Designed for both business and leisure travelers, the resort will have more than 70,000 square feet of meeting space, a 25,000 SF grand ballroom, a 20,000 SF junior ballroom, a 10,000 SF spa, and multiple restaurants and bars. On-site outdoor amenities include a heated swimming pool and an activity pool with water slides and an 850-foot "Lazy River," a meandering swim and inner tubing stream. The world headquarters of the renowned David Leadbetter golf academy is also located on the premises.

The property is unified by a comprehensive environmental graphics program, including signage and wayfinding, created by ID8, the environmental design studio of RTKL.

"Because the resort will serve both families and business travelers, the design team was careful to balance family-friendly amenities – like the Lazy River, a children's play area, tennis courts, sand volleyball, basketball, and a pitch and putt golf course – with features that appeal to the needs and whims of business guests," said Lundgren. Business-oriented amenities include eighteen meeting rooms and state-of-the-art wellness facilities.

RTKL's Dallas- and Baltimore-based design teams included: Principals-In- Charge Todd Lundgren AIA (architecture) and Thom McKay (environmental graphics); Steven Hauk AIA, project manager; Barry Blackmon AIA, project designer; Brian Cargill AIA, project architect; and Jill Popowich, graphic designer.

Major consultants were Looney & Associates, interior design; Cosentini Associates, MEP engineering and lighting design; Burton, Braswell, Middlebrooks, structural engineering; Glatting Jackson Kercher Anglin Lopez Rinehart, landscape; and DRMP, civil engineering. The contractor is Welbro Building Corporation, of Maitland, FL.

About RTKL: - RTKL is a worldwide planning, architecture, design and creative services organization. The firm's Dallas office was recently named Dallas AIA Firm of the Year. Founded in 1946, RTKL offers hospitality clients imaginative, site- responsive solutions that foster guest loyalty and operational efficiency. With eleven offices around the globe, RTKL is an idea-driven firm providing services across the full development cycle to create places of distinction. .

About Omni Hotels: - Omni Hotels, based near Dallas in Irving, Texas, offers luxury accommodations at more than 40 hotels and resorts located throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. Guests can locate hotels, book accommodations or find out more about Omni Hotels by calling 1-800-THE-OMNI or accessing the company's web site at www.omnihotels.com.

Lily Thayer
410-528-8600
RTKL Associates Inc.