100 Years Later, Hotel Vermont to Rise Again in Burlington

BURLINGTON, Vt., Sept. 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The ground will soon be broken for a LEED-certified hotel as local developers Jay Canning and Chuck DesLauriers announce the commencement of construction on the new 125-bedroom Hotel Vermont and Hen of the Wood Restaurant in Burlington. Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin and Commerce Secretary Lawrence Miller will attend the groundbreaking event starting at 5:00 p.m. on September 21, 2011.

Hotel Vermont will open at 41 Cherry Street in Burlington 100 years after the original Hotel Vermont first welcomed guests on the corner of Main Street and St. Paul Street.  The property will be locally developed, owned and operated with design, construction and management teams all Burlington-based.  NBT Bank and the US Department of Agriculture collaborated to finance the project. 

The family of developer DesLauriers has owned and operated lodging and hospitality businesses in Vermont since the 1950's.  Co-developer Jay Canning said, "As locals with many years of hotel experience, we have worked to create a uniquely Vermont lodging experience in our hometown. Hotel Vermont will be the city of Burlington's own."

Israel Smith of Smith Buckley Architects in Burlington teamed with Kim Deetjen of TruexCullins Interiors to utilize design features such as hardwood floors and luxury shower and bath areas in guestrooms.  Green design practices and indigenous materials have also been a focus, with the development team expecting LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.  PC Construction of Burlington was selected as the general contractor.

Hotel Vermont will stimulate the senses of leisure and business travelers seeking an authentic "Vermont" experience that exudes comfort and casual warmth while encouraging productivity. Public spaces indoors and out will be comfortable and complemented by thoughtful food and beverage offerings throughout the day. The hotel lobby features a wood-burning hearth, granite-clad central core area, and materials including reclaimed red oak flooring.

Juniper Lounge will serve morning pastries and coffee as well as farm-inspired "carbon-negative" cocktails (using ingredients that balance our carbon footprint), limited-production beer and wine and small plates throughout the day.  An outdoor terrace with an open hearth will overlook the Burlington waterfront and the 7,500 square foot Harbor Terrace, Burlington's first green roof and garden, which Canning and DesLauriers opened in 2007. Bronze sculptures on the rooftop by artist Richard Erdman of Williston, Vermont assure an eye-catching view, whatever the season. The hotel will also offer two water-view function rooms with 1,100 square feet of space for meetings and events.

Hotel Vermont will be the Burlington home of one of Vermont's favorite restaurants, Hen of the Wood Restaurant, featuring acclaimed farm-to-table cuisine by 2011 James Beard Award nominee Chef Eric Warnstedt.

The hotel and restaurant will bring 70 new jobs to Burlington and both are scheduled to open in April 2013.

SOURCE Hotel Vermont