by Bailey White
Staff Writer
According to some business owners on the Southbank, major renovations are planned for the Radisson following the 2005 Super Bowl.
“There is always talk about what would be the best for the property,” said Radisson general manager Joe Hockenberry. “But nothing is concrete and I don’t know what will happen.”
With renewed interest in the area due in part to the adjacent luxury condominium project, The Strand, there is speculation that the property might be the site of future development. Specifically, the existing structure may be torn down after the Super Bowl to make way for a new, upgraded building.
The hotel, which sits on 14 acres of riverfront real estate, is owned by Riverwalk Hotels LLC,. Neither of its two Miami-based business partners could not be reached for comment.
One Southbank business owner, who asked not to be identified, said he’d heard that the row of buildings on Wharfside Way, which are also owned by Riverwalk Hotels LLC, would be coming down within two years.
“And there is hearsay that the Radisson itself may be coming down to make way for a motel-like business with room for boat slips,” he said.
“I found out that they’re not renewing leases here,” said Mary Fisher, whose Mary Fisher Design graphic design studio and advertising agency is located at 420 Wharfside Way. “I understand that they may be taking down the office space after the Super Bowl and there is hearsay that they may be building a new building.”
Hockenberry said he is renewing leases.
“I’m renewing them as requested,” he said. “In fact, I’m renewing the lease for TTV Architects [at 300-C Wharfside Way] right now.”
(A spokesperson for TTV Architects confirmed their lease would be renewed for two more years.)
Whatever the outcome, Hockenberry said he is looking forward to the Radisson’s future.
“The future is looking fantastic for the whole downtown area,” he said. “We’re getting ready for the most spectacular event ever and working to make sure we’re prepared for the Super Bowl.