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Jan 12, 2009 6:05 pm US/Central
Fort Worth Celebrates Opening Of New Omni Hotel
FORT WORTH (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
Visitors to Fort Worth will have a new place to stay. The new Omni Hotel is the jewel of the city's skyline. It opens to guests this weekend and has already booked some high profile guests.
The opening of the 614-room Omni Fort Worth on Houston Street kicked off with the unfastening of a belt buckle the size of Texas. A marching band also performed down Houston St.
"This magnificent structure stands a bright beacon, putting everyone on notice that Fort Worth is now a serious contender, a national and international convention market," said Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief.
Sunday, workers were putting the finishing touches on the more than 700,000 square foot hotel.
Fort Worth residents hope the new hotel will bring jobs, visitors and money to North Texas despite the national economy. "I think it's great that people are going ahead with their plans and continue to go ahead with their plan and preparing for when the economy goes back up," said Fort Worth resident Hope McGhee.
The state of the economy has some questioning the opening, but still hoping for the best. "It may not be the best time to open but it could bring conventions and business," resident Steven Broyles said. "Could be good for the town."
The groundbreaking for the new hotel was held back in 2006 and it has taken some 1,200 workers and almost $170 million to complete the hotel that has two restaurants, wine bar, sports bar and spa, meeting rooms and other amenities.
Last August, the crew topped off the 33rd and highest floor.
Over the next 20 years it's been estimated the Omni Hotel will bring in some seven million visitors and generate $2 billion for the local economy.
Part of those estimates includes money generated from the opening of the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Arlington. The new facility will host to the 2011 Super Bowl and the Omni Fort Worth will be the hotel of choice for the AFC team.
On average, prices at the hotel range from $189 to $350 a night.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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