CSM Corporation today released construction updates and new renderings of the Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot’s latest expansion. The 24,000 square foot event space expansion will transform a parking shed into a vaulted, glass-encased ballroom incorporating original brick, train rails and distinctive railway themes throughout. The major renovation will help the hotel meet rapidly growing demand for event space and marks the next phase of glory for the revitalized community landmark.

CEO Gary Holmes’ conversion of the abandoned Milwaukee Road Depot into a luxury hotel nearly two decades ago spurred on a wave of development in the Riverfront-Mill District. Following a 110-room expansion in 2016 and a complete renovation of the hotel lobby, bar and restaurant in 2017, the new Renaissance Minneapolis event space will open January 2019. Bookings for next year are already well underway.

“Our new event space will help solidify our reputation as a first-class urban destination, offering an experience no other hotel in the country can provide,” said CEO Gary Holmes. “As we have at every step along the way, we’ve taken great care to preserve the history while blending the charm of the past with modern designs and amenities.”

In addition to the eye-catching ballroom, the renderings showcase towering, marbled halls; intimate, eclectic meeting rooms; and the Milwaukee Road Depot’s original train rails. The historic tracks are exposed on the exterior and highlighted throughout the event space flooring with colored tile and carpeting. Milwaukee Road Depot and Minnesota artifacts will be incorporated throughout the new space. Bronze, life-size characters crafted from photographs of railway workers during the Depot’s early use will be unveiled to the public in the coming weeks. High-resolution renderings: https://bit.ly/2IMnSDs

“It’s been amazing to watch this hotel and neighborhood come to life,” said Holmes. “When I drove by the Depot 20 years ago, it was a rat-infested eyesore. Today we host events ranging from weddings to Super Bowl parties. We’re proud to have our national company headquarters right next door and we look forward to the Depot’s next 20 years.”

Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot

The Milwaukee Road Depot greeted travelers and freight for over a half century. When train transport declined, the Depot quickly fell into disrepair. Its surrounding area was an unfortunate victim of urban blight until 1999, when CSM purchased the property. Founder Gary Holmes saw beyond the dust and dirt to envision a new public landmark for the City of Minneapolis.

CSM – Lodging

CSM Corporation builds, owns, manages and operates some of the country’s best hotels. The Lodging Division is among the top 50 hotel management companies in the US and has won numerous awards, including Marriott Hotel of the Year (three times) and Marriott Developer of the Year two years in a row. The Lodging Division was formed in 1992 with the acquisition and renovation of a former Howard Johnson hotel into a Country Inn by Carlson. With a portfolio of more than 6,600 rooms, today CSM Corporation operates hotels for well-respected brands like Carlson, Hilton, Hyatt and Marriott. The company offers full-service, select-service and extended stay hotels coast to coast. CSM’s combination of strategic long-term thinking and day-to-day attention to detail consistently earn industry recognition for customer service and across the board excellence. For more information on CSM Corporation visit http://csmcorp.net/ .