Waterloo, Iowa – The City of Waterloo and Leslie Hospitality Company are pleased to announce that the square block where Waterloo’s convention center resides will be dedicated as Sullivan Brothers Plaza and incorporated into the convention center’s new name: Waterloo Convention Center at Sullivan Brothers Plaza.

“We are very pleased with the naming of Sullivan Brothers Plaza” says Kelly Sullivan, spokesperson for the Sullivan Family. “Leslie Hospitality and Mayor Hart have done everything possible to accommodate our requests. We are pleased that the Convention Center complex will continue to pay tribute to the Five Sullivan Brothers as well as honor all veterans of our armed forces.”

Late Wednesday afternoon, Mayor Hart convened a meeting with Edwin Leslie, President and CEO of Leslie Hospitality and representatives of the Sullivan family including Kelly Sullivan and former Mayor John Rooff. The purpose of the meeting was to assure the Sullivan family and their supporters that tribute to the Five Sullivan Brothers would continue with the transfer of the building’s ownership to the developer. “Designating the grounds of the convention center Sullivan Brothers Plaza will ensure that the property will always honor the sacrifice of the Sullivan Brothers and their families” says Mayor Hart. “The Waterloo Convention Center at Sullivan Brothers Plaza will honor the Sullivans and be a living monument to all the brave men and women who valiantly defend our country.”

“In addition to individual meetings with Kelly and her father, at my request Mr. Edwin Leslie was happy to drive back to Waterloo from Omaha to meet with the Sullivans in person,” says Hart. “Leslie Hospitality has demonstrated their commitment to be a community partner, investing in our city’s progress while honoring the legacy of the Sullivan Brothers and all of our veterans.”
A monument paying tribute to the Sullivans will be constructed on the Plaza by Leslie Hospitality. The new owner is anxious to get underway with the overhaul to the convention center and hotel.

“We hope to start immediately by making initial improvements to the building’s exterior and technology, and by delivering exceptional customer service through a passionate and highly-trained staff,” said Edwin Leslie. “Renovated facilities and our intensive marketing efforts will increase the awareness of the Sullivan Family as well as the City of Waterloo. It’s a win-win for all involved!”
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City of Waterloo Contact:
Wendy Bowman, Wendy.Bowman@Waterloo-IA.org

Leslie Hospitality Contact:
Edwin Leslie, eleslie@leslie-hospitality.com