The Conrad Indianapolis came to life - or at
least appeared to - on Thursday, June 16, as a moving public art display titled
Crescendo left onlookers’ eyebrows raised and mouths open. Local artist Greg Hull
created the piece, which combines kinetics and fabric using a pattern of motion to
produce the illusion that the 23-story tower is “breathing.“A flourish of trumpets and hundreds of guests added to the ceremony that officially
welcomed the Conrad Indianapolis to the Circle City skyline. The final beam was
placed on the 23rd floor of Indianapolis’ first true luxury hotel. Mayor Bart
Peterson, real estate executive and Conrad building owner Al Kite, Conrad Hotels’
chairman & CEO Dieter Huckestein, general manager of Conrad Indianapolis Jan
Chovanec, and other VIPs and attendees signed the golden beam before it was hoisted
into place.

A reception started the “topping-off” ceremony, which honored the Conrad
Indianapolis having reached its highest point. Topping-off ceremonies are a
centuries’ old tradition originating in Europe. They signify the birth of a new
building and are considered good luck for everyone involved in the construction and
all who come through the building’s doors. “The topping-off is a major milestone for
the Conrad Indianapolis” said Huckestein. “We’re so pleased to be a part of downtown
Indianapolis, and this ceremony typifies the level of excitement and grandeur the
Conrad will bring to the Circle City.”

The Conrad is one of a handful of new construction projects in the downtown area.
The hotel adds to Indianapolis’ already vibrant convention and tourism business.
Billed by Peterson in his 2003 State of the City address as “a step up in prestige
for downtown Indianapolis,” the Conrad’s 23-story tower sits at the northeast corner
of Illinois and Washington streets, adjacent to the Indianapolis Artsgarden. Opening
in spring 2006, the luxury hotel will feature 243 guest rooms and 15 private
residences, state-of-the-art meeting space, a first-class French-inspired
restaurant, and a full-service spa and fitness center.
——-