Hilton Des Moines Downtown

This new construction, full-service Hilton Hotel consists of 330 guest rooms, multiple conference and meeting rooms, a pool, fitness center, restaurant and bar and 140-car parking beneath the facility. Also included in this project is skywalk access from the hotel to the Iowa Events Center (comprised of Wells Fargo Arena and Hy-Vee Hall Convention Center). The Hilton Des Moines Downtown Hotel anchors the complex and is helping to attract larger conventions. This innovative downtown property is the result of a collaborative design effort between RDG Planning & Design, DLR Group, Anderson/Miller, and The Weitz Company, and ownership representation provided by Project Management Consultants, LLC.

From finding the hotel to parking, visiting a conference room, attending a wedding in the ballroom, going for a swim, or finding an ice machine--signage helps provide the navigation tools that allow the guest to feel at ease. While nothing is more important than a guest’s experience, there were additional considerations taken during the planning phase--the ability to access the hotel from three levels, passage of the general public and guests differentiated, and guest floor presentation. Proper planning eliminates the expense of unnecessary signage. In addition to planning and messaging, our multimedia department collaborated with the interior designers to create a custom sign system that felt as if it was part of the plan, because it was.

Designers were asked to create lighting designs throughout this new hotel that would support and enhance its function as a premier downtown conference hotel, serving as something of a marketing "calling card" that reflects the sophisticated, non-ostentatious design of the Hilton brand. Lighting and finish materials emphasize warmth, hospitality and sophistication in balance, and sometimes in counterpoint, with the sleek, linear structural design. Each element in each space was carefully considered, with maximum interaction and collaboration among lighting designers, architects, interior designers and contractor.