By: Yahoo Finance
(09-02-2002)

ORLANDO, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 2, 2002--Synchronized according to the date and time, on 02/02/02 at 2:02 p.m. Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center officially opened its doors.

Perini Building Company/Suitt Construction Company, a joint venture, built the two million sq. ft. resort on time and on budget. Perini/Suitt constructed the Florida-themed hotel (formerly called Opryland Florida) in 28 months and actually delivered the hotel to the owner, Gaylord Entertainment, December 1, 2001. Perini Building Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Perini Corporation (AMEX: PCR - news). Suitt is a subsidiary of BE&K of Birmingham, Alabama.

``Perhaps the most rewarding part about turning over the resort one month ahead of the official opening is that Gaylord''''''''''''''''s sales associates have already sold over a million room reservations,'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' said Sam Sabin, senior vice president of the Eastern region for Perini Building Company.

Hnedak Bobo Group, Inc., architect on the project, themed the entire hotel according to Florida''''''''''''''''s geographical regions. The focal point of the resort is the company''''''''''''''''s signature glass atrium in its center. The main atrium is 12-stories high, encompassing (more) 100,000 sq. ft. ``The architectural uniqueness of the 12-story glass dome is the absence of floor to ceiling support columns. In lieu of columns, the atrium is supported by eight slide bearings bolted to the roof of the hotel. Most people describe the dome as floating or suspended in air,'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' said Val Hanson, vice president of Suitt''''''''''''''''s Hospitality Group.

In all, the hotel has three authentically themed atriums. Represented are St. Augustine, the oldest Spanish fort in the New World, the Everglades and Key West. For example, the Everglades are recreated using fog, cypress trees, swamps and bogs, grass marshes and huts found throughout this area. Step into Key West and the island takes form with the replication of many of its well-known streets and buildings, in addition to an authentic 65 ft. two-masted shrimp boat docked at a marina that doubles as an oyster bar. Additional charm is added with meandering paths, springs, waterfalls, ramps, boardwalks and unique landscaping. Because of all of the natural light provided by the glass domes, the atriums are able to sustain living plants and marine life. To ensure propagation, in-depth light transmission and climate studies were conducted.

Gaylord Palms hotel and convention center has 1,406 themed-guest rooms and suites, a 700,000 sq. ft. convention and expo center which includes meeting rooms, exhibition space, and two ballrooms totaling 80,000 sq. ft. The resort has 15,000 sq. ft. of retail space, two swimming pools, a spa and fitness center, and a variety of restaurants and bars.

Pete Cesari, vice president of design and construction Opryland Hospitality Group, summed up the construction effort, ``Perini/Suitt managed an aggressive construction schedule, kept control of the budget and built Orland''''''''''''''''s most impressive new landmark.''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

About Perini Building Company

Perini Building Company is recognized as the largest builder of hotels and casinos in the country. Other areas of construction expertise include health care, pharmaceutical, long-term care facilities, corrections, airports, sports complexes and educational facilities. Perini has offices in Florida, Boston, Atlantic City, Phoenix and Las Vegas. Visit: www.perini.com for more information.

About Suitt Construction Company

Based in Greenville, South Carolina, Suitt Construction Company is a diversified, single-source provider of construction services for the hospitality, entertainment, food, pharmaceutical and chemical industries. It serves the hospitality sector from its office in Orlando. In addition to Greenville and Orlando, Suitt has offices in Raleigh, North Carolina; Richmond, Virginia; Atlanta, Georgia; Birmingham, Alabama; and, Chicago, Illinois. Suitt Construction has been in Orlando since 1982. The company, which specializes in design-build and design-assist projects, has completed many high profile projects including Discovery Cove, a 45-acre, heavily themed interactive park where guests swim with the dolphins.

About Perini Corporation

Perini Corporation and its companies (Perini Building Company, Perini Civil and Perini Management Services Inc.) provide general contracting, including building and civil construction, construction management and design-build services to private clients and public agencies in the United States and selected overseas locations.



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Contact:

Papagalos Strategic Communications
Ann Papagalos, 602/279-2933
ann@papagalos.com
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