JE Dunn Construction has a long-standing and successful relationship with Loews Hotels, marked by major projects that showcase their synergy and mutual commitment to excellence. This partnership began in 2017 with the development of the Loews Kansas City Convention Center Hotel, a project that significantly bolstered Kansas City’s downtown area.
The collaboration with Loews started when JE Dunn was working with a private developer and the city to bring a Convention Center hotel to Kansas City. Initially, Hyatt was considered as the operator, but Loews eventually took over the role. This shift marked the beginning of a robust partnership between JE Dunn and Loews. Jason Parker, a key figure in these projects, noted that both companies share core values such as fairness, reasonable business practices and a genuine partnership approach, which have been crucial to their successful collaborations over the years.
The Kansas City project was not without its challenges. The hotel site, chosen for its proximity to the Convention Center and other downtown attractions, presented significant construction difficulties. The site was on two different elevations, which required innovative solutions to integrate the hotel seamlessly into the existing urban landscape. The main entrance on one side of the hotel is on the fourth level, while the other entrance is at ground level, necessitating a unique design to accommodate these variations.
Despite these challenges, the project progressed smoothly, demonstrating JE Dunn’s expertise in tackling complex urban construction projects. The hotel officially opened in early 2020, just as the world was grappling with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic introduced unprecedented hurdles, especially as Kansas City went into lockdown. Final inspections had to be conducted via FaceTime, with JE Dunn’s superintendents walking building inspectors through the site virtually. This approach ensured that the project was completed on time, even under such restrictive conditions.
Another unexpected challenge was securing the property once it was built but not yet operational. Hotels typically operate 24/7, and Loews Hotels had not considered the need for locks on certain doors. JE Dunn had to adapt quickly, installing locks and other security measures to protect the new hotel until it could fully open to the public.
The success of the Kansas City project led to further collaborations between JE Dunn and Loews Hotels. Most notably, JE Dunn was selected to construct a new Loews Hotel and Convention Center, along with an adjacent parking garage, in Arlington, Texas. This project benefitted from the lessons learned and the strong relationship built during the Kansas City project. Leveraging the ‘One Dunn’ approach, JE Dunn’s Kansas City team members—trusted partners to Loews—collaborated with the Dallas team, whose local market knowledge ensured the same high standards and smooth execution that Loews had come to expect.
The Arlington hotel, completed and opened in early 2024, further cemented JE Dunn’s reputation as a premier construction partner for large-scale hotel projects. The Convention Center includes the largest column-free ballroom at 49,000 square feet inside a hotel in Texas. A key element of this project was the assembly and installation of a bridge connecting the new parking garage/convention center to the existing Live! by Loews Hotel across the street. This radius steel structure bridge is unique because it is supported by two large concrete columns with steel embeds, making it complicated to design and erect while spanning the busiest street in the Arlington Entertainment District. The team assembled the bridge onsite over the course of two weeks and had the narrowest of windows, 24 hours, to erect it.
With the bridge located in the heart of the Entertainment District, between Globe Life Field, Home of the Texas Rangers, and AT&T Stadium, Home of the Dallas Cowboys, communication and managing expectations was key. In addition, the hotel was constructed in the busy Arlington Entertainment District, which required an immense amount of coordination with the Texas Rangers, Dallas Cowboys, and Texas Live! Organizations, especially on game or event days.
Both companies have navigated complex projects and unexpected challenges together, always finding solutions that ensure successful outcomes. This enduring partnership stands as a testament to JE Dunn’s commitment to excellence and its ability to build and maintain strong, value-driven relationships with clients.