GKA and GSKA-designed 99 Washington Street tops out; Developed by McSam Hotel Group and built by Cava Construction

One of the world's tallest Holiday Inns has topped out. The top floor of concrete was poured for the 50-story, 400-room full-service hotel at 99 Washington St. with primary design by Gene Kaufman Architect, P.C. (GKA) and façade design consultation by Gwathmey Siegel Kaufman & Associates Architects (GSKA). The project, developed by McSam Hotel Group and built by Cava Construction, is situated three blocks south of the World Trade Center site. "Lower Manhattan continues to prove its resilience," said Gene Kaufman, founder of GKA and principal of GSKA. "Despite some setbacks caused by Hurricane Sandy, the area is pushing forward boldly. The WTC Memorial is already drawing visitors from all over the world and is expected to bring millions more annually. Major public and private projects, including this new major brand hotel, are moving rapidly towards completion, ensuring that the neighborhood will very soon achieve its potential as a 24/7 global destination." The exterior of this new Holiday Inn will have a low-rise, contextual base, blending with the surrounding streetscape, topped with a tower featuring graduated setbacks and offering views of the city, the Hudson River and the Statue of the Liberty. The metal-paneled façade will attract and reflect light, brightening the street-level pedestrian landscape. The new Holiday Inn will offer state-of-the-art conveniences and amenities, including a guest lounge, a full-service restaurant and bar, a fitness center, meeting facilities and complimentary in-room Internet access. The hotel is slated for completion later this year.