I.M. Pei's Denver hotel slated for $70 million "upgrade" to a Sheraton

I'm not sure who ruined the once groovy Hilton Hotel (now the Adam's Mark) with today's barfy lobby full of marble, shiny brass and oversize exposed light bulbs.

As you can see, when completed in 1960 the lobby was an open, stylish and a fit spot to welcome hairsprayed international stars like Astrud Gilberto or television's Gidget.

Now the place probably depresses even the least fickle Amway distributor -- and it doesn't look as if the new owner has sights on restoring modernist design glory to the state's largest hotel. Today it was announced that $70 million will be spent to turn the place into a Sheraton.

• Denver Post: New owner plans $70 million renovation for Adam's Mark, By Margaret Jackson, 02/08/2008
• Pei Cob Freed & Partners project profile: Court House Square, Denver