If there was ever a project that demonstrates the change-making potential and impact architecture has on “placemaking” – the Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Springfield is it. Built in 1970, the former Springfield Inn was a decaying and dying downtown hotel; it was desperately in need of a complete overhaul. The hotel was purchased in 2002 by a local philanthropic foundation primarily as a downtown revitalization and economic redevelopment project. Chris Simonton, then a principal with Laughlin and Scanlan Construction, was brought in to help make the design vision a reality and lead the construction team.

The hotel was shutdown for 5-weeks, it was gutted top-to-bottom, and the work was completed in near record time through the orchestrated collaboration of local craftsmen, architects from Design Collective, and total construction oversight of Simonton. The 45-room, 350,000 SF hotel, bar/restaurant, and banquet center experienced a $10.5 million reconfiguration and redesign. It opened April of 2004

Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Springfield is divided into three zones: a hotel reception and guest service areas, a vibrant bar/lounge area featuring a cozy central fireplace, and the Mela Urban Bistro’s unique dining experience with a special, more intimate center "captain’s table" dining space. Mela’s wrap-around dining room offers guests views of the beautiful and historic downtown architecture of Springfield. These special intimate spaces, contemporary finishes and furnishings, and custom design solutions create a unique and lively hotel stay and dining experience.

Today, the hotel serves as the business hub of downtown, with the completion of the renovation of a major component of redevelopment to Springfield’s downtown revitalization was accomplished. The Courtyard by Marriott and Mela Urban Bistro has given the community a downtown destination – a unique upscale hotel/dining experience. The contemporary design and plan has resulted in a greater operating efficiency, profitability, and has contributed immensely towards the downtown revitalization. Simonton, along with former Laughlin & Scanlan Construction in collaboration with Design Collective, was responsible for the construction of Mela Urban Bistro, the Courtyard by Marriott lobby, business center, fitness center, kitchen facilities, banquet center, and meeting spaces.