Portman to design new 5-star hotel in Beijing

ATLANTA, GA (January 19, 2010) – John Portman & Associates (PORTMAN) is pleased to announce that the firm has been selected by Zhong Lian Run Shi Investment Company, Ltd. to design a new 5-star, 550-room hotel across from the United States Embassy in Beijing’s Chaoyang District.

With a dynamic building form and a dramatic atrium, The Zhong Lian Run Shi Hotel will be approximately 20 stories in height and feature a conference center. The 120,000-square meter complex will also include service apartments in a separate tower. Below-grade facilities in the new PORTMAN-designed complex include retail shopping and connections to the owner’s adjacent office and retail project, currently under construction.

PORTMAN is employing a fully integrated design approach to ensure that all design decisions uphold a sustainable intent. The project’s “green” appeal, coupled with its excellent location in the Embassy District, will make the complex attractive to the international and government communities in Beijing. Many embassies are within walking distance of the project, including those of Australia, France, India, Japan, Sweden and the United States.

Owner-developer, Zhong Lian Run Shi Investment Company, Ltd., plans to break ground and begin construction in the third quarter of 2010. Construction is expected to take approximately 30 months.