Mississippi Economic Council

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King Edward - Hilton Garden Inn Jackson/Downtown
Before and After Photos of the Premier Ballroom

Prior to the start of the renovation, the ceiling in the ballroom was full of holes

The ballroom ceiling now features detailed molding and sky lights

Additional photos below

King Edward Renovation 90 Percent Complete

David Watkins of Waktins Partners and Miro Lago,
general manager of the Hilton Garden Inn Jackson/
Downtown at the renovated King Edward Hotel

David Watkins discusses the
progress at the King Edward

Hotel will be operated by H.R.I. as Hilton Garden Inn

The completion of the renovated King Edward Hotel in downtown Jackson is less than three months away. When the hotel opens in December, the historic building will be fully renovated and will be operated as a Hilton Garden Inn.

In addition to 186 guestrooms, the hotel will also have 6,000 square feet of meeting space, including the second floor premier ballroom.

David Watkins, of Watkins Partners, said the first two floors of the hotel are being renovated to the way they were during the time that the King Edward was considered Jackson's premier hotel. While the hotel will reflect the historic look of the King Edward, it will have many modern amenities, said Miro Lago, who is General Manager of the Hilton Garden Inn Jackson/Downtown.

Watkins Partners, along with former New Orleans Saints running back Duece McAllister and Historic Restoration Inc. of New Orleans, formed a partnership in December 2006 to complete the project. Officials from the Hilton Garden Inn Jackson/Downtown, provided a report on the progress of the renovation along with tours of the hotel on Aug. 12.

The 12-story building was built in 1923 and was considered the center of Jackson society and politics for over 40 years. The hotel closed in 1967 and after several attempts to renovate the property, it was Watkins' partnership with McAllister and H.R.I. that finally made the renovation happen. The hotel was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976 and declared a Mississippi Landmark in 1990.

Watkins said the goal of the renovation was to have the hotel reflect the grandeur of the old King Edward, while making sure guests had the modern day conveniences - such as wireless high-speed Internet. The King Edward Grill will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. There will also be evening room service. There will be a lounge, indoor pool and a workout facility. The hotel will also offer valet parking.

H.R.I. and Watkins Partners also plan to renovate the adjacent Standard Life Building

For On The Hilton Garden Inn and H.R.I

Scenes from the Aug. 12 Tour of the King Edward

David Watkins of Watkins Partners talks about the renovations to the King Edward basement into include a swimming pool.	Guests will be able to overlook the lobby of the hotel from the second floor meeting area at the renovated building, which will be a Hilton Garden Inn.
The Premier Ballroom will feature detailed ceiling work.	David Watkins talks with MEC president Blake Wilson about the renovations
Tours were held on Aug. 12 to update the renovation process.	David Watkins and Miro Lago, general manager of the Hilton Garden Inn.