SAN ANTONIO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 5, 2002--Construction of the Watermark Hotel progressed today with the cleanup of the debris following the collapse of the site's south facade yesterday. Crews will be erecting barriers along Crockett Street, the north side of the former L. Frank Saddlery Building, to safely contain further debris as the north wall's removal begins.
Though the area's cleanup resulted yesterday in the closure of Commerce Street and a portion of the River Walk, the latter is expected to be fully operational by this weekend in time for the annual Las Posadas procession on Sunday evening.
Representatives from the Watermark Hotel once again today made known their gratitude that no life-threatening injuries were sustained. They also expressed thanks to the City of San Antonio, Fire and Police Departments and all involved in the clean-up efforts that went on into the night. The urgency and remarkable coordination between all our city's services was exemplary, said Michael Bazar, future general manager of the Watermark. It makes me feel good that we live and work in a community that is as responsive and caring as ours. The emergency plans that they have in place show what a world-class city San Antonio is and the value that officials place on the quality of life shared by the city's residents and millions of tourists who visit our historical sites and attractions annually.
Bazar continues, While we are awaiting the results of the investigation as to why the facade collapsed, we are delighted by the spirit of cooperation between all the team members involved in this project, including architect HKS Inc. of Dallas; contractor Lyda Builders of San Antonio; interior designer Hirsch Bedner Associates of Santa Monica, Calif; and project manager Project Control Inc. of San Antonio. We are confident in their expertise and will continue to follow their recommendation in making this a first-rate project, a new hotel that ranks at the top in the nation.
Hotel representatives will meet with architects and contractors this week to assess plans for the exterior of the building. Re-creating and respecting the historical design of the old Saddlery Building is of the utmost concern for all parties involved. No real changes are expected in the overall design concept, as approved by the Historic & Design Review Commission.
Similarly, no alterations are foreseen in the direction of the Watermark Hotel, which includes plans for 99 luxury guestrooms and suites, a 17,000-square-foot European-style spa, 4,500 square-feet of meeting space and signature restaurant alongside the River Walk. Despite the necessary site cleanup, the Fall 2003 opening date is still expected to be on target.
Representatives of the Watermark will provide regular Media briefs as new information on the hotel becomes available.
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