A dynamic $960 million rehabilitation of historic buildings and facades celebrates the industrial history of Springfield, Massachusetts.
We visited the newly opened 252-room MGM Springfield and found a myriad of inspirational meeting spaces for groups of many sizes. The property is all new inside and complimented by outside facades that were lovingly preserved from historic buildings to blend in with the architecture in the heart of the city. For instance, the facade of the Old Chandler Hotel was maintained along with buildings like the United Electric Building to create the authentic old-world feeling of this 14-acre complex, which includes 13 different entrances to allow the community and guests alike to appreciate all the offerings of dining and entertainment.
Celebrating Old and New
The hotel is also very distinctive as it reflects a cool industrial chic vibe that celebrates Springfield’s industrial and literary history. For example, as attendees enter the lobby they will be impacted by the hundreds of antique books purchased from the area that give a warm and inviting feel and contrasts the industrial vibes in the design of exposed metal and brick reflecting the city’s industrial history—from the being the home of Rolls Royce “Ghost” manufacturing to the Indian Motorcycle birth. Culinary wise, groups will delight from the choice of restaurants which include James Beard Award-winning Michael Mina (Cal Mare) and Adam Sobel (Chandler Steakhouse).
Where to Meet
The MGM Springfield complex includes an armory from the 19th century with an adjacent plaza for events. The armory has beautiful turrets that influenced author Theodor Geisel of the Dr. Seuss books, who was from the area. Planners can use meeting spaces and ballrooms with 34,000 sf to choose from, plus a 6,200-sf outdoor terrace that overlooks Amory Square, which is also bookable for groups.
“For larger groups we have great synergy with the Springfield CVB as well as local hotels and have many great partnerships in place.”
Group Bookings: The Sweet Spot
The sweet spot for group hotel bookings is 100 rooms on peak and 200 to 300 attendees in mid-week pattern (Sunday to Thursday) says Gregg Skowronski, executive director of hotel operations at MGM Springfield. “For larger groups we have great synergy with the Springfield CVB as well as local hotels and have many great partnerships in place. There are over 900 downtown hotel rooms within walking distance and more to come online. We also manage 100,000 sf of flexible meeting and exhibition space adjacent to our property at the Mass Mutual Center.” Groups can also make use of the 8,000-seat Symphony Hall downtown.
