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WestCoast Kalispell Center Hotel to GVD Commercial Properties, Inc.; Will Expand, Renovate and Rebrand Hotel to Red Lion |
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KALISPELL, Mont., July 25, 2005 - WestCoast Hospitality Corporation
(NYSE: WEH) announced it has sold a 50% interest in its Kalispell Center
retail and hotel complex located in Kalispell, Montana to GVD Commercial
Properties, Inc. (GVD). GVD is an experienced retail developer and brings
a wealth of experience for a planned multi-phase expansion and renovation
project for the Kalispell Center in Kalispell's downtown core.
"This transaction with GVD brings expertise in retail development to maximize the value of Kalispell Center. At the same time, it allows us to focus on our core hotel business as GVD brings decades of experience and valuable national contacts to the project," said Arthur M. Coffey, President and Chief Executive Officer of WestCoast Hospitality Corporation. "We will continue to seek relationships to maximize the value of our assets by bringing in expertise outside our core hotel business." GVD specializes in the development and leasing of retail centers throughout the western United States. WestCoast Hospitality will continue to operate the hotel under a long term lease. G & B Real Estate Services, a division of WestCoast Hospitality Corporation, will continue to manage the retail component of Kalispell Center. "We are very pleased to team with WestCoast Hospitality Corporation to develop Kalispell Center," said Gerald Vance Dicker, President of GVD Commercial Properties, from his Spokane, Washington office. "It is an exciting renovation which will offer expanded lodging, retail and community opportunities to Kalispell and the entire Flathead Valley." The initial phase of this development project includes hotel expansion, renovations and retail site enhancements that will cost approximately $5 million. Renovations will start in the fall of this year and the company anticipates completion by the middle of 2006. Upon completion, the Kalispell Center hotel will be re-branded to Red Lion. "The expanded and renovated hotel at the Kalispell Center will be a flagship Red Lion in Montana and the Flathead Valley," added Coffey. "This development will help us strengthen the Red Lion hotel brand, the Kalispell Center retail offering and enhance downtown activity." About WestCoast Hospitality Corporation
About GVD Commercial Properties, Inc.
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Contact:
Julie Langenheim
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