Spectrum - Volume 17 Issue 15 December 8, 1994 - DBHCC marks renovation

A non-profit publication of the Office of the University Relations of Virginia Tech,
including The Conductor , a special section of the Spectrum printed 4 times a year

DBHCC marks renovation

By Clara B. Cox

Spectrum Volume 17 Issue 15 - December 8, 1994

The Donaldson Brown Hotel and Conference Center (DBHCC) opened its doors to the university community recently to celebrate its like-new facilities and to increase awareness on campus that the university has such a facility available to the public.

About 400 guests toured various types of the hotel's 100 newly renovated lodging rooms and sampled the hotel's food, said Bonnie Maccubbin, special events coordinator, who arranged the celebration. Guests were treated to a strolling buffet, high tea, and reception.

"We also used this occasion to announce our new state government rates for lodging rooms that we will extend to state employees traveling on business," said Peter Kipp, director of hotel operations.

Work on the lodging rooms and hallways began in May and was completed in early October. The renovations, which use burgundy, ivory, and teal color schemes, provided the hotel with two one-bedroom suites. Seventy-three rooms have double beds, 24 contain queen-size beds, and three, king-size beds. The rooms now contain remote-controlled televisions, and new furniture.

A vending area with an automatic ice machine and drink and snack vending machines was installed on the third floor, and a new roof was completed in September.

The lobby, dining area, meeting rooms, and auditorium were renovated in 1993 following a devastating flood that extensively damaged the first floor. The kitchen was also upgraded at that time.

Kipp said the recent renovations brought the DBHCC into compliance with the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act. "We have added a wheelchair ramp and electric-eye doors at the Kent Street entrance and will have electric-eye doors at the main entrance by early December. We also have four lodging rooms that will accommodate the hearing-impaired," he said.

"We are quite pleased with our facilities and hope our open house made more members of the university community aware that Donaldson Brown Hotel and Conference Center is open to the public, just like any other hotel," he said.