Embassy Suites announces $50 Million Hotel and Conference Center Development in Norman
Posted: Wednesday, April 26, 2006

Embassy Suites announced at an April 26 press conference forthcoming development of a 240-room hotel and a 65,000-square-foot conference center in Norman. Both projects, which are estimated to cost a total of $50 million, are part of the University North Park mixed-use major development project unveiled in December 2005.



The nine-story Embassy Suites Hotel will be developed and managed by John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts, LLC, a leader in the nation's hospitality industry. The company currently operates more than 60 hotel and resort properties across the United States, including two in Oklahoma City and one in Tulsa.



"We are honored to be a part of such a visionary development and know that as it comes to fruition, it will be a source of pride for not only Norman, but for all of Oklahoma," said John Q. Hammons, chairman and chief executive officer of John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts, LLC.



The City of Norman will own the conference center for an estimated cost of $15 million. Once completed, the conference center will be managed by John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts, LLC. The Springfield, Mo.-based company has already initiated the design phase for both the conference center and hotel and intends to begin construction on both properties in March 2007.



"While the development of the entire University North Park area is especially good news for the City of Norman, the construction of the conference center, in particular, represents a very special and unique opportunity for us," Norman Mayor Harold Haralson said. "Not only will the City of Norman benefit by the influx of sales tax dollars to our community, but this new development activity is sure to make our city even more attractive to companies interested in locating or relocating their businesses here."



The University of Oklahoma played a major role in the decision to locate the state-of-the-art conference center in Norman.



"With the continued growth of the University, it is absolutely critical that we have the ability to host national and international conferences and events, as well as a wide range of continuing education programs, as close to the university as possible," University of Oklahoma President David Boren said.



Upon completion, the 585-acre University North Park development will also consist of a major retail complex, lifestyle center, park, office complexes, multi-family housing projects and businesses targeted for economic development by the City of Norman. The development is located east of I-35 between Robinson and Tecumseh Road.