Manchester Radisson Completes Decade-Long Renovation Project

The Radisson Hotel Manchester’s redesigned Four Rivers Ballroom and new bar. Photo: John Gauvin, Studio One Manchester

The Radisson Hotel Manchester completed a 10-year, $2.2 million renovation project, including a completely redesigned and refinished ballroom and function space. The 65,000-square-foot, 248-room hotel and conference center in downtown Manchester underwent extensive room and function space renovations, including high-tech upgrades, enhanced culinary capabilities and a renovated 12^th floor which now features Manhattan-style, luxury suites.

“Our investment in the Radisson Hotel Manchester reinforces its status as an economic hub for southern New Hampshire, and as a centerpiece of downtown Manchester,” said Louis Vinios, president and principal of JPA Management, which built the Radisson Hotel Manchester on the site of the original New Hampshire State Armory in 1983.

The transformation began in 2009, with the replacement of every window in the hotel.  Since then, JPA renovated rooms, bathrooms and hallways throughout the facility, along with the newly redesigned “Four Rivers Ballroom.” The ballroom can now be divided into four sections, and new carpeting designed to represent a river running over stones was also installed. JPA invested $1.4 million in renovating the ballroom, which is marked by its industrial flare, including encased columns, new furniture and copper fixtures.

New rooms, including 12^th floor Manhattan-style suites, include special features, such as iPhone docking stations, ultra-high-definition televisions, wet bars and laptop safes. JPA worked with the Bedford-based architecture firm, Stibler Associates, to produce the design plan.

Further, the Radisson Hotel Manchester is collaborating with the Manchester Historic Association, which will provide historic artifacts, including a historic bicycle, for display on a rotating basis. Renovations also include local touches, including a partnership with the NH Institute of Art, which is providing artwork throughout the hotel for display.

“It was critical to embrace the community, which has embraced us for the past 33 years,” says Kim Roy, general manager of the Radisson Hotel Manchester. “The artwork, décor and design we have chosen honors the rich history of Manchester, and also reinforces the [hotel's] appreciation for and connection to our city.”

As part of the project, JPA performed strategic improvements to conference and meeting space, installing updated teleconferencing capabilities and writable walls designed for collaborating in its Coolidge executive-style boardroom.  The hotel also features an outdoor pool deck and bar, full-service spa, “The Spa Within,” and a new coffee shop opened this month called the Daily Brew, which serves Starbucks coffee.

JPA has plans for more enhancements, including renovating the lobby and mezzanine, along with installing new mattresses, furniture and window treatments in all guest rooms.