Philly and her suburbs have had an estranged relationship with the Delaware River over the years. (No need to get into the he said/she said, but it got ugly for awhile.) But several key redevelopments of former industrial districts are helping to rekindle the romance, including Wilmington's first Westin-branded hotel, which The Buccini/Pollin Group opened April 17. The 180-room, four-star hotel is the city's first in 30 years, and BPG prez Dave Pollin (who's also speaking at BLIS) says it was a long time coming. (Dave is snapped above with daughters Lily and Stella and NBA star Gheorghe Muresan; Dave is 6'5”, or so he insists.) The big factors? Support from state and city governments, multiple local banks, and a big new amenity base in the Riverfront District.

The Westin, above, is fundamentally about the wellness experience, says Dave (BPG owns the hotel in a partnership with Westport Capital, while PM Hospitality Strategies will handle operations). Guests have easy access to a fitness center, indoor pool, and full-service restaurant serving Westin's signature SuperFoodsRX menu. (Which, presumably, is also what The Avengers eat.) Especially unique is the 3,000 SF law center that visiting firms can utilize during their stays and the 92k SF of convention space at Chase Center next door. Dave will also continue to have his hands full on the residential front in Wilmington as Market Street transforms into a true retail district.