Atlanta After March's Tornado
By Ashley Wright 
On March 14, a tornado-producing storm ripped through the Atlanta metropolitan area and especially through the streets of downtown Atlanta. Fortunately, only three meeting sites were majorly impacted: the Omni Hotel at CNN Center, the Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel and the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC). During an August site visit to the city, I got to see first-hand how the city has bounced back from the storm. Downtown Atlanta looks as it was before the storm. Plus, I spoke with officials from the Omni, Westin and GWCC, all of whom provided me with an update on their building's condition.
Omni Hotel at CNN Center:
At the Omni Hotel at CNN Center, the tornado greatly affected the hotel's South Tower where approximately 170 guest rooms suffered damage resulting from the storm, according to Kimberly Murdock, marketing manager. The tower remained closed for approximately 30 days while some guest rooms were demolished and others were repaired through window glass replacement and/or interior soft good restoration. The North Tower had only eight guest rooms that suffered window damage. "Due to an efficient and proactive restoration schedule, the hotel now operates at 90 percent inventory," Murdock said.
The final component of the restoration process will include the replacement of the exterior North Tower guest room windows. Completion for this project is anticipated to occur in the fourth quarter of 2008. "Restoration efforts of this magnitude are dependent on many factors, including weather and the cooperation of city officials," Murdock said. Additionally, due to glass repairs on the North Tower exterior, the hotel pool is currently closed for safety precautions. Hotel representatives are available to provide more information about access to the Turner Athletic Club and the pool at the Hilton Garden Inn.
The Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel:
Nearby, The Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel suffered extensive damage to the property's windows, with a total of 1,000 windows blown out, according to Ed Walls, general manager. Initially, due to the damage, 320 guest rooms were closed for use, but since the storm only 80 remain out of use. The hotel has been sealed temporarily and is in the process of ordering glass for the remaining windows that need to be replaced. According to Walls, a timeline for the project has yet to be determined due to the size of the building and its age, at 35 years old, and due to the fact the original manufacturer of the glass for the windows no longer makes that particular type. "We've sealed the building and the hotel and the building is operating as normal," Walls said. "And when we get done we'll have a better look and feel to the building than ever before. A look that planners will appreciate and enjoy."
Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC):
All three buildings of the GWCC were officially opened in late April after 42 days of construction following the tornado. Over 15,000 attendees were on campus for the Distributive Clubs of America (DECA) International Career Development Conference, the first major event to occupy Building A since it reopened on April 21. While portions of Building B were used since the tornado hit, Hall B3 received the most damage from the storm. "We are so delighted to be able to announce that all of our facilities are once again open for business," said Dan Graveline, executive director of the Georgia World Congress Center Authority. "Looking at the damage following March 14, we had no idea how long it might take before we could reopen. And here we are a short 42 days later fully operational. It is truly amazing."
Reconstruction statistics from the GWCC include many upgrades throughout Buildings A and B, according to Graveline. All of the concourse areas for the two buildings have new, modern ceiling tiles. These tiles are more energy efficient, create better lighting because of their reflectivity and provide better acoustics. Building A will have safety glass that is more energy efficient and is also safer in the case of inclement weather. New fabric wall panels in the concourses will provide better acoustics. The Lower A/B Connector will have new energy efficient lighting. Over 30 escalators will be refurbished or replaced for greater efficiency. The new roofs over Buildings A, B and C Concourses will meet new energy codes, which will enhance energy efficiency and new overhead doors have been installed throughout the building.
