Washington, D.C. (March 20, 2015) – On Thursday, March 19th, Euro Capital Properties’ Principal Jacques Cohen and Director of Design & Development Rakel Cohen were joined by Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser; D.C. Councilmember Jack Evans, Ward 2; ANC Commissioner William Kennedy Smith, M.D.; and ‘Mad Men’ costume designer Janie Bryant for a ceremonial topping off at The Watergate Hotel. The Washington, D.C. hospitality icon will re-open as a luxury hotel in summer 2015 after a $125 million renovation.
Today’s event celebrated one of the most important construction milestones within the renovation, the topping off of the 7,000 square-foot Moretti ballroom – a completely new build for the hotel, which previously had not offered extensive meetings and event space. The roof of the Moretti ballroom will be ‘topped off’ with flora inspired by the building’s original landscape, and Euro Capital Properties executives, local dignitaries and design partners were given the opportunity to plant the future by placing historically significant ‘May Night Salvia’ seedlings into symbolic soil at the event. When the seedlings are mature they will be incorporated into the landscape design on top of the ballroom, completing the crown jewel of the new Watergate Hotel.
The Moretti ballroom was added to the hotel by raising the earth an additional seven feet, creating an unparalleled 27,000 square feet of waterfront meetings and event space. The brand new 7,000 square-foot ballroom will feature state-of-the-art technology and several configurations, as well as an additional 10,000 square feet of outdoor terraces overlooking the Potomac which will transform Washington, D.C.’s business and leisure landscape.
“Euro Capital Properties has been passionately committed to restoring the iconic structure to create an urban resort that exceeds the expectations of today’s modern, luxury guest, in a setting that is central to everything,” said Jacques Cohen, Principal, Euro Capital Properties.
In addition, guests witnessed the unveiling of The Watergate Hotel’s unique retro-inspired uniforms for hotel associates by acclaimed ‘Mad Men’ costume designer Janie Bryant. Sketches from the first hospitality uniform collection from Bryant showcased her inspiration from the 1960’s glamour and sophistication that The Watergate Hotel epitomized. Attendees were also granted access for an exclusive sneak peak of the hotel’s 12th floor rooftop, which boasts 360-degree views of the Potomac.
Noting the hotel’s groundbreaking architecture by Luigi Moretti, Euro Capital Properties’ Director of Design & Development Rakel Cohen stated, ” The original design of The Watergate Hotel was ahead of its time and sparked a debate about the future of architecture. You will notice that there isn’t a straight line in sight. Since the hotel first opened, it has been renovated time and again, yet we are really the first to embrace the building’s original beauty.
Mayor Muriel Bowser addressed the crowd, reflecting on Washington D.C.’s revitalization and continued recognition as one of the premier luxury travel destinations in the world.
The Watergate Hotel will usher in a new era of chic, retro glamour with 340 luxury guest rooms, fine dining and casual cuisine, an opulent whisky bar and a spectacular rooftop with 360-degree views, in addition to an exclusive spa and fitness facility complete with a lavish indoor pool.
