The Hilton Americas-Houston, one of the crown jewels in Houston’s
downtown convention development project, celebrated the “topping out” of their 1,200-room hotel on Monday
with hundreds of construction workers and community leaders. This full-service convention center hotel, which
is connected to the George R. Brown Convention Center, broke ground in June 2001 and is scheduled to open its
doors in November 2003.
In honor of the Hilton Americas-Houston reaching its highest point in construction, the ceremony was kicked off
with supportive speeches from The Honorable Lee P. Brown, current mayor of Houston; former mayor Bob
Lanier, chairman of the Houston Convention Center Hotel Corporation; and Kenneth M. Smith, senior vice
president - hotel operations of Hilton Hotels Corporation.
Topping Out indicates that the structure has reached its maximum height and the uppermost steel support beam
has been put in place. The ceremony, which includes hoisting an evergreen tree to the top of a completed
structure began hundreds of years ago in Europe. This tradition became an integral part of American culture,
thanks to the numerous immigrants that joined in the building of modern-day America in the early 20 th century. A
large American flag also was placed at the top of the structure along with the evergreen, signifying the continued
support of the American Dream by hundreds of local construction workers from the Houston area.
“A topping out ceremony signifies the birth of a new building and is considered a good luck charm for those who
enter its doors upon completion. The Hilton Americas - Houston is truly destined to become an incredible
landmark hotel, as it graces Houston’s skyline and becomes a showcase and celebration venue to welcome the
world to this dynamic city,” said Kenneth M. Smith for Hilton Hotels Corporation.
Situated in downtown Houston and connected to the George R. Brown Convention Center via two skywalks, the
Hilton Americas-Houston is located in a section of town now referred to as “The Super Block.” Minute Maid ?
Park, the new sports arena, the expansion of the Convention Center and an infusion of new restaurants and shops
signify that Houston has a vibrant and evergrowing downtown.
The Hilton Americas-Houston will include 1,200 guestrooms, including 66 suites. Served by the latest fiber-optic
technology available in the hospitality industry, the hotel’s 91,500 square feet of meeting space features a 40,000
square foot Grand Ballroom (Houston’s largest), 26,000 square foot Ballroom of the Americas and 30 versatile
meeting rooms. The 28,000 square foot Skyline Health Club and Spa, as well as three excellent fine dining and
casual restaurants, will be a welcome complement for both the business, leisure or convention traveler visiting the
Houston area.
For a tour of the Hilton Americas-Houston and complete details on its facilities, visit the hotel’s official website at
www.americashouston.hilton.com.
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