RTKL Designs Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate; Hotel Is Largest to Break Ground Since September 11, 2001
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...
"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.