The new Marriott International Headquarters and Hotel in Downtown Bethesda was named “2022 Project of the Year” at the Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) Awards, a state-wide recognition of significant projects and programs that bring economic prosperity to Maryland. The Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC), with collaboration from the Maryland Department of Commerce, sponsored the Marriott HQ and Hotel nomination.
As the world’s largest hotelier and the biggest private sector employer in Montgomery County, Marriott International will be moving into its new 785,000-square-foot, 22-story global corporate headquarters later this summer. In March, the adjacent 245-room, 12-story Marriott Bethesda Downtown at Marriott HQ Hotel opened as the company’s 8,000th location.
MEDA announced that the Marriott HQ and Hotel project is recognized for “its environmentally sustainable design, coordination of partnerships and a projected $2.3 billion in business activity within its first year of opening. During the pandemic, Marriott International masterfully pivoted to address the urgent need to reimagine its workplace to accommodate significant changes in employee and customer preferences.”
Marriott International appreciated the award that reflects the detail that went into the project.
“Marriott is excited to move into our new Downtown Bethesda headquarters this summer and to carry on the proud legacy that has been built in Montgomery County, a community we have called home for more than 65 years,” said Carolyn B. Handlon, executive vice president and global treasurer of Marriott International, who accepted the award on behalf of the company. “We’re delighted with the recognition as Maryland’s ‘Project of the Year.’ We believe our new headquarters is truly the right place for our team of associates. We’ll be joining a vigorous and diverse community whose lively urban setting is exciting for all of us. As a proud corporate citizen, you can expect to see us continue to participate, volunteer and contribute to local and state civic life, including through our global social impact and sustainability platform, Serve 360.”
The project reflects an important part of the County’s economic development future.
“Marriott is a truly deserving honoree as the Maryland Project of the Year. They recognized early a growing reality that the way people work post-pandemic would change,” said Benjamin H. Wu, MCEDC president and CEO. “The scale and speed which they had to redesign and meet shifting workplace needs is without precedent for a Maryland company. Marriott adapted quickly to these new demands to maximize retention of its critical workforce. Despite the devastating COVID-19 impact on the hospitality sector, Marriott remained committed to not delay the project and they have delivered on-time. From employees to construction workers to suppliers to local restaurant and retail, this project has many beneficiaries and will be an economic driver in Montgomery County for decades to come.”
The project required the cooperation and teamwork of many sectors of State and local government.
“This important project is a terrific example of an effective state-local collaboration,” said Maryland Commerce Secretary Mike Gill. “In addition to the Marriott International headquarters, there are over 100 affiliated hotels in the state. With such a large State and local footprint, Marriott provides important economic benefits and job opportunities. Looking toward its future, the company wanted a relocation from its current offices to propel its success with the development of a 21st Century workforce. This project provides an attractive, functional, and creative new headquarters that will allow Marriott to attract and retain top talent in a very competitive industry.”
