The Hyatt Regency in downtown New Orleans plans to re-open for the first time since Hurricane Katrina following the completion of a $275 million overhaul.

The hotel, with its battered exterior and shattered windows, became a symbol of the widespread destruction caused by the massive storm in 2005.

Officials say that the renovated hotel will offer 1,193 guestrooms, 200,000 square feet of meeting space, and a 300-seat specialty restaurant.

The grand re-opening is scheduled to take place on September 19, 2011 and will mark a symbolic moment in New Orleans continuing road to recovery.

Source: Businessweek