Press Release - September 30, 2009

MARRIOTT PLACE INDIANAPOLIS UNVEILS LANDMARK PLAZA DESIGN

Art-Filled Plaza to Become a Gathering Place for Hotel Guests and Indianapolis Residents

INDIANAPOLIS, IN  (September 30, 2009) – Marriott Place Indianapolis, a unique collection of Marriott properties currently under construction in downtown Indianapolis, has unveiled the design for an art-filled central plaza expected to become a landmark and lasting gift to the city.

“From the beginning, we have been driven by a desire to positively impact Indianapolis, not just by developing a unique, world-class property, but also by contributing to the beauty of the city,” said Bruce White, chairman and chief executive officer of White Lodging, the primary developer of Marriott Place Indianapolis. “My father, Dean White, and our entire family are committed to supporting the arts community and celebrating our home state. The Art Plaza is another example of that commitment, and is something that Indiana residents will be able to enjoy just as much as hotel guests.”

The multi-million dollar plaza was designed by Indianapolis landscape architects Claire Bennett Associates. The artworks in the plaza pay tribute to Indiana and were designed by Jeff Laramore of 2nd Globe Studios, which has studios in Indianapolis and Vancouver, British Columbia. The signature piece in the plaza is a nearly 36-foot-tall stylized sculpture of a cardinal, representing the state bird. When viewed from above – as from the windows of the adjacent JW Marriott Indianapolis –the cardinal appears to be perched on tulip tree branch formed by the stonework in the plaza. The tulip tree is Indiana’s state tree.

“Another key feature of the plaza is a 60-foot-long waterwall, featuring a multitude of peonies – Indiana’s state flower – depicted in tile behind a cascade of water. The waterwall was also designed by Laramore.

The $450 million Marriott Place Indianapolis is being developed by White Lodging Services and REI Investments, and largely funded by entrepreneur and developer, Dean White. “We wanted to make this project a landmark for Indianapolis, its convention business and our family,” said Bruce White. “We are proud to be Hoosiers, and selected the design for the Art Plaza because of its connection to the state.”

For meeting planners, who are already responding positively to the unparalleled flexibility and amenities offered by Marriott Place Indianapolis, the Art Plaza is just one more reason to consider hosting an event at the new development. “It will be a fantastic venue for outdoor receptions, parties and even performances, with downtown Indianapolis as a backdrop and all within steps of the Indianapolis Convention Center and White River State Park,” said Cory Chambers, director of sales and marketing for Marriott Place Indianapolis.

March, 2010 will mark the scheduled opening the Art Plaza, as well as The Indianapolis Courtyard by Marriott Downtown, Indianapolis Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Downtown and the Indianapolis SpringHill Suites by Marriott Downtown. The JW Marriott Indianapolis will open in February, 2011. The fifth Marriott Place hotel, the 622-room Indianapolis Marriott Downtown, is already operating.

For more information about this premier hotel development, including advance group sales, contact Cory Chambers at the JW Marriott Indianapolis sales office at 317-573-6534 or via email at cory.chambers@marriott.com.

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