Monroeville, which lost its sprawling ExpoMart and Radisson Hotel complex last year, is back with a new convention center/hotel campus. The facilities are located just off the Pennsylvania Turnpike, next to the Monroeville Mall.
The $16.2 million Monroeville Convention Center opened in September 2009 in the former Wickes furniture store building. Developed by Oxford Development Co., the 100,000-square-foot facility was designed specifically for small- to medium-sized conventions and trade shows. It accommodates as many as 5,400 visitors, features 1,800 free parking spaces, a state-of-the-art sound system and Wi-Fi capabilities, and includes green elements such as energy-efficient heating and cooling systems and a white roof that reflects sunlight.
Just a few steps from the Convention Center is the Doubletree Hotel, which hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony last week. The 320-room Radisson, which closed in November 2008, was completely renovated, and one of its towers was demolished, to create the 191-room Doubletree. All public spaces were redone, safety upgrades were made, and the hotel's decor was updated. The Doubletree also features a Share Wine Lounge & Small Plate Bistro on its first floor. The restaurant serves eclectic American cuisine and more than 30 wines by the glass.
The Doubletree was developed by Oxford Development Co., and is managed by Davidson Hotel Company, which also manages the Convention Center. Hotel project costs were around $16 million.
"One of our goals is to support the entire Monroeville community," says Craig Bollman with the Doubletree and Convention Center. "We have a lot of future events we're working on. By keeping the center busy, we're keeping revenue coming through the entire community of Monroeville."
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Writer: Caralyn Green
Source: Craig Bollman, director of sales, Doubletree Pittsburgh/Monroeville Convention Center
Photograph courtesy Doubletree Pittsburgh/Monroeville Convention Center