Tampa lost out but Minneapolis landed the 2008 Republican National Convention. It was not the only reason the area had a big year for conventions.
The Twin Cities Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul will serve as the chief site for the four-day event, which will be a major promotional opportunity for the area.
One reason for the choice was that in addition to its 6.500 existing hotel rooms, another 1,200 rooms are under develop.
Westin is doing its first Minnesota hotel in the Farmers and Mechanic Bank Building in downtown Minneapolis. The chain is also planning a hotel at Edina’s Galleria shopping center.
Hempel Properties and Morrissey Hospitality announced plans for a $100 million condo and hotel development in the Midland Bank Building in downtown Minneapolis.
The historic Foshay Tower was recently bought for $16 million, and a $50 million redevelopment plan was announced to include a W hotel, a high-end brand from Starwood Hotels and Resorts.
Report by David Wilkening
