The ascent of the Beam begins at the "topping off ceremony" held for the Hampton Inn & Suites in downtown Providence, due to open in December.

A "topping off ceremony" was held for an innovative Hampton Inn & Suites in Providence, Rhode Island. Within walking distance of the Rhode Island Convention Center, the hotel is part of a $17 million rehabilitation of an historic downtown Providence building. When completed in December 2008, the venue will offer 110 beautifully appointed rooms, including 38 suites, 32 king rooms, and 40 standard rooms, and will feature meeting and function space, including two board rooms. The downtown Hampton Inn also will feature free airport valet service, a fitness center, a business center and property-wide, free high-speed Internet access.

A rendering of the Hampton Inn & Suites in Providence. The hotel, within walking distance of the Rhode Island Convention Center, is part of an innovative rehabilitation of an historic building that once included a bank and chapel.

"With a strong need for more high-quality lodging with mid-level pricing, combined with the recognition and reputation of the Hampton Inn & Suites brand, we expect to be a major competitor in the mid-tier market, said James Karam, CEO, First Bristol, real estate developers of the project.

At the "topping off" ceremonies for the new Hampton Inn & Suites in downtown Providence, Rhode Island are Evan Granoff of Granoff Associates, a Providence-based Real Estate Holding company partnering with First Bristol on the hotel project, Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline; James Karam, CEO, First Bristol; and Lloyd Granoff of Granoff Associates.

The Hampton Inn & Suites was designed by critically acclaimed Newport Collaborative Architects, Inc. Design challenges included marrying the existing framework to an 11-story new building. The result provides sweeping views of the Providence skyline reaching down over Narragansett Bay. Upon entrance to the hotel, guests will be amazed at the two story, atrium lobby, created by Parker-Torres Designs with an eye to the past, incorporating the classic lines and design features of the original architecture. In addition, green aspects of the design include exterior energy efficient windows, high efficient EER-rated HVAC systems, re-circulated heating capabilities, and state-of-the art insulation techniques offering a minimum of R-16 to R-19 insulation value.

"Providence continues to a destination for meetings and conventions and is home to several international corporations and world class universities, and we look forward to establishing strong relationships with our CVB partners," added Karam.

When completed in December 2008, the Hampton Inn & Suites in Providence will offer 110 beautifully appointed rooms, including 38 suites, 32 king rooms, and 40 standard rooms, and will feature meeting and function space, including two board rooms.