August 10, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PLAZZIO DEVELOPMENT TO EXPAND WITH ANNOUNCEMENT OF HOSPITALITY
COMPONENT
Local Hotel Management & Consulting Company
to Build New Marriott Residence Inn Prototype
(Wichita, KS) – Plazzio, a 347,000-sq.-ft. retail/entertainment
complex created by Laham Development and Ritchie Development at
13th & Greenwich Road, has announced its next project – the
construction of a 91-suite Marriott Residence Inn to be developed
by Wichita-based A.G. Development, L.L.C. The announcement was made
today by George Laham, president of Laham Development and Jim Korroch,
president and CEO of A.G. Holdings. Construction on the project
will begin this fall with completion slated for early summer 2005.
Catering to the business traveler, Marriott Residence Inn at Plazzio
will consist of 65,000 square feet situated on 2.5 acres. It will
be located west of The Alley Indoor Entertainment Center now under
construction. Marriott Residence Inn amenities include 1,500 square
feet of meeting space, an outdoor pool, sport
court, putting green, valet and self-service laundry, facsimile
and photocopy services, complimentary hot breakfast, weeknight social
hours and weekly barbeques. Each spacious suite includes a fully-equipped
kitchen and living area, free wireless high speed Internet access
and comfortable work desk.
The new hotel at Plazzio is being billed as the first “Generation
Seven” Marriott Residence Inn in the country, a concept created
by the chain’s owner, Marriott International. According to Korroch,
it is the seventh Marriott Residence Inn prototype developed since
the inception of the brand founded in Wichita. “This property is
an enhancement of previous Marriott Residence Inns and we are very
pleased to be the first to build it,” Korroch stated. “The new plan
offers an excellent use of space while including all the amenities
a business traveler wants. Given that Marriott Residence Inns’ roots
are in Wichita, we think it is very appropriate that the first Generation
Seven prototype will be unveiled here,” said Korroch.
Among the changes included in the Generation Seven prototype are
more spacious one-bedroom suites – some with fireplaces, and a pantry
with snacks, frozen food and beverages in the lobby. While previous
Marriott Residence Inns have been built around a free-standing lobby
known as a gate house, the new Generation Seven prototype integrates
guest rooms above the gate house. A two-sided fireplace has also
been added to the gate house.
According to Laham, the addition of the Marriott Residence Inn
adds yet another key component to the center. “When completed, Plazzio
will offer retail, entertainment, dining and hospitality all within
steps of each other,” Laham stated. “This synergy will result in
a vibrant urban entertainment center that is unique in Wichita and
a great addition to our city.”
Kevin Mullen, president of Ritchie Development and co-developer
of Plazzio, noted that the 13th & Greenwich location adds to
the center’s appeal. “The proximity to K-96, east Kellogg and the
Turnpike provides easy access to Plazzio for regional traffic,”
Mullen said. “These types of centers are being developed in major
markets throughout the country with their success based on excellent
highway access and visibility.”
According to Korroch, location is precisely why his company chose
Plazzio for its new Marriott Residence Inn. “The access is terrific
and the entertainment component of this area is really dynamic,”
Korroch said. “Our guests want surroundings that let them feel a
part of the city. The layout of Plazzio allows them to walk to a
restaurant, take in a movie and experience an urban setting that
is fun and very appealing. Additionally, it is very close to our
customers. In my opinion, there isn’t a better location in Wichita,”
he stated.
The new Marriott Residence Inn will employ up to forty staff and
be managed by Beth Link who currently serves as general manager
of TownePlace Suites by Marriott in Wichita, also managed by A.G.
Hospitality Management Services. According to Korroch, “Beth has
more than ten years of experience in the hospitality industry and
the Marriott Residence Inn brand. Her skills in the areas of guest
satisfaction, associate training and profitability will be an excellent
match for our new Plazzio property.”
Based in Wichita, A.G. Holdings, L.L.C. was founded by Jim Korroch
in 1999 as a hotel management and consulting firm. In 2002, Korroch
expanded the business to include hotel development services with
partners Craig and Christy Smith of Wichita and Steve Sauder of
Emporia. In addition to the new Marriott Residence Inn at Plazzio,
A.G. Hospitality Management Services’ properties include TownePlace
Suites by Marriott in Wichita, Joplin, Missouri and Bentonville,
Arkansas and Candlewood Suites in Emporia, Kansas, Topeka, Kansas
and Rogers, Arkansas. Several other hotels are also under development.
Currently located in Lakepoint Office Park at Central & Webb
Road, A.G. Hospitality Management Services will relocate their corporate
offices to the new Marriott Residence Inn at Plazzio when construction
is complete.
The 347,000-sq.-ft. Art Deco-inspired Plazzio center was launched
by Laham and Ritchie Development in late 2000. In May 2002, the
center opened the 88,000-sq.-ft. Warren Theater featuring 12 screens
and a luxurious granite, marble and terrazzo lobby. In July 2003,
the developers unveiled plans for The Alley Indoor Entertainment
Center situated west of the Warren Theater. Owned by Cathy and Frank
DeSocio, The Alley will provide 32 bowling lanes, an indoor go kart
track, sports bar, a billiards room specifically for teenagers and
corporate meeting rooms. It is expected to open in late 2004. In
April 2004, B.G. Bolton’s, owned by Wichita entrepreneur Bud Gates,
announced its new prototype restaurant would be built at Plazzio.
The 7,000-sq.-ft. location will feature family dining, a sports
bar, outdoor patio and original recipes by popular local chef, Tanya
Tandoc. B.G. Bolton’s is slated to open in 2005.
Along with the Warren Theatre, The Alley, B.G. Bolton’s and the
Marriott Residence Inn, the 60-acre Plazzio will include up to 15
stores, restaurants and entertainment concepts. Other Laham Development
projects include the 500,000-sq.-ft. Regency Lakes at 21st &
Greenwich, anchored by Super Target which is opening fall 2004,
and the 255,000-sq.-ft. Bradley Fair at 21st & Rock Road with
50 stores and restaurants.
Project architect for the Marriott Residence Inn at Plazzio is
Law Kingdon. Pinnacle Construction is the contractor. J.P. Weigand
& Sons is exclusive broker for Plazzio. |
