A 'Crescendo' Brings the World to Indianapolis; Moving Art, Fanfare Help the Conrad Indianapolis Come To Life.

INDIANAPOLIS -- The Conrad Indianapolis came to life -- or at least appeared to -- on Thursday, June 16, as a moving public art display titled Crescendo left onlookers' eyebrows raised and mouths open. Local artist Greg Hull created the piece, which combines kinetics and fabric using a pattern of motion to produce the illusion that the 23-story tower is "breathing."

A flourish of trumpets and hundreds of guests added to the ceremony that officially welcomed the Conrad Indianapolis to the Circle City skyline. The final beam was placed on the 23rd floor of Indianapolis' first true luxury hotel. Mayor Bart Peterson, real estate executive and Conrad building owner Al Kite, Conrad Hotels' chairman & CEO Dieter Huckestein, general manager of Conrad Indianapolis Jan Chovanec, and other VIPs and attendees signed the golden beam before it was hoisted into place.

A reception started the "topping-off" ceremony, which honored the Conrad Indianapolis having reached its highest point. Topping-off ceremonies are a centuries' old tradition originating in Europe. They signify the birth of a new building and are considered good luck for everyone involved in the construction and all who come through the building's doors.

"The topping-off is a major milestone for the Conrad Indianapolis," said Huckestein. "We're so pleased to be a part of downtown Indianapolis, and this ceremony typifies the level of excitement and grandeur the Conrad will bring to the Circle City."

The Conrad is one of a handful of new construction projects in the downtown area. The hotel adds to Indianapolis' already vibrant convention and tourism business. Billed by Peterson in his 2003 State of the City address as "a step up in prestige for downtown Indianapolis," the Conrad's 23-story tower sits at the northeast corner of Illinois and Washington streets, adjacent to the Indianapolis Artsgarden. Opening in spring 2006, the luxury hotel will feature 243 guest rooms and 15 private residences, state-of-the-art meeting space, a first-class French-inspired restaurant, and a full-service spa and fitness center.

About the City of Indianapolis

The nation's 12th largest city, Indianapolis is home to more than 860,000 people. The "Circle City" plays host to two professional sports teams, the Indiana Pacers and Indianapolis Colts, but is best known for the "greatest spectacle in racing," the Indianapolis 500. With corporate headquarters of such companies as Eli Lilly and Company, Wellpoint and Conseco, Indianapolis boasts a rich business climate. The growing downtown area offers exquisite dining, shopping, arts and entertainment opportunities, and is the site of many conventions and amateur sporting events.

About Conrad Hotels 

With 18 award-winning luxury hotels strategically located in capital cities and exotic resorts in Europe, the Americas, Asia Pacific and Middle East/Africa, Conrad offers value to both business and leisure travelers by establishing and maintaining the highest levels of service delivery with the renowned "Conrad Service Culture." The hotels provide fine accommodation, excellent restaurants, fully equipped health clubs and sophisticated meetings facilities. Another five Conrad development projects are planned in the United States, Thailand, Japan, the UAE (Dubai) and China for future openings between 2005 and 2008. All Conrad guests benefit from the Hilton worldwide reservation system and its acclaimed guest loyalty program, Hilton HHonors(R).

For further information on Conrad Hotels and bookings, please visit www.ConradHotels.com, contact your professional travel agent or call 1-800-CONRADS for the U.S. and Canada. Outside the U.S. and Canada, please contact the nearest Hilton Reservations Worldwide office or the hotel direct. The Conrad dedicated meetings Web site is: www.ConradMeetings.com. Conrad Hotels are the luxury hotels in the Hilton Family of Hotels. It is a joint venture equally owned by Hilton Hotels Corporation and Hilton International Co.

Project History

The team of Kite Development Corporation and Mansur Real Estate Services, Inc. was officially selected by the City of Indianapolis on October 11, 2002, to develop the City's most coveted, undeveloped parcel of land. Upon Kite's initial public offering and the formation of Kite Realty Group Trust, the principals (Al Kite, Paul Kite, John Kite and Tom McGowan) took ownership of the project under Circle Block Partners, LLC, a privately held entity. A formal groundbreaking ceremony was held on July 7, 2004. The project is scheduled for completion in spring 2006.