LEXINGTON,
KY., March 16, 2009 � Lexington Downtown Hotel & Conference Center,
a Hilton Affiliate Hotel, announced that it has begun its anticipated $13
million renovation. The refurbishment of the hotel�s 367 guestrooms, interior
public spaces, grand ballroom and meeting rooms is expected to be completed
over the course of the next year. The hotel will remain open during construction.
�The renovation of Lexington Downtown Hotel & Conference Center
will be completed in phases over the year,� said Peter C. Lewis, president
and chief investment officer of Madison W Properties. �Work has begun on
the hotel�s atrium, grand ballroom and meeting rooms. The refurbishment
of the hotel will ensure that it remains the premier destination for business
and leisure travelers in Lexington.�
Influenced by Kentucky�s scenic landscape and equestrian heritage, the
design concept for the hotel�s public spaces, guestrooms, restaurant, grand
ballroom and meeting rooms incorporates regional motifs. Developed by Atlanta
firm Design Continuum, Inc., the updated interiors will feature a vibrant
color palette inspired by regional country scenery. Rich shades of red,
green, blue and gold will be found throughout the 22-story hotel�s interior
as a modern take on traditional Kentucky design.
A joint venture among Madison W Properties, Interstate Hotels &
Resorts and Lexington-based The Webb Companies, the hotel is connected
via a skywalk to Lexington Center, central Kentucky�s premiere sports and
entertainment complex that includes Rupp Arena, Lexington Convention Center
and The Shops at Lexington Center.
Lobby
From the moment guests enter the hotel, they will experience an elegant
Kentucky theme that reflects the commonwealth�s history and culture. The
lobby will feature new registration desks made out of handsome mahogany
wood that include brushed nickel accents and polished white quartz countertops.
Two large wall treatments made out of woven cherry wood will be installed
that will add visual interest to the space.
Local artists have been selected to display their works prominently
in the hotel�s lobby. The works will include a magnificent 30-foot high
sculpture of running horses created by Seth Tuska; to be installed above
a fountain designed by Tamara Cassidy of Stephen Hillenmeyer Landscape
Services. The new water feature will contain elements of Lexington�s famous
Triangle Park fountains. Additionally, 20-foot high scenic photographs
of horses by photographer Doug Prather will be mounted on the lobby�s walls
that will be rotated four times a year to reflect the seasons.
�I�m devoted to infusing the local elements that make Lexington so special
into the design of the hotel,� added Lewis. �Our goal is to create an indigenous
personality for the property.�
Guestrooms
Most of the hotel�s guest accommodations will be updated with a sophisticated
new look that will include designer selected linens and window treatments,
furniture and furnishings, wall coverings and carpeting and enhanced bathrooms.
Continuing the Kentucky theme into the guestrooms, white headboards have
been chosen that are reminiscent of picket fences found throughout the
commonwealth. Calming greens and blues will be used throughout the rooms
to provide each guest with a more enjoyable and relaxing experience. Large
flat panel LCD televisions will be installed to modernize each guestroom.
The guest bathrooms have been designed to be urbane and bright and will
showcase a crisp, clean décor. Classic furniture-style vanities
with a golden wood tone and blue-green granite countertops will be the
focal point of the new bathrooms. The selected wall coverings feature a
simple scroll pattern that has a tranquil metallic quality. Neutral colored
stone-like porcelain tiles have been selected for the flooring and showers
and a mixture of brushed and polished chrome fixtures will be used throughout
each bathroom.
Each guestroom is expected to be furnished with the Hilton Serenity
Collection® of amenities, which includes the Pacific Coast® down
duvet, Super Topper mattress pads and top-quality linens and pillows. Anticipated
standard amenities include the Hilton Serenity Bath Collection, featuring
the exclusive Crabtree and Evelyn line of La Source® bath products;
a Cuisinart® dual-cup, single brew coffeemaker and Lavazza® coffee;
the easy-to-set Hilton Family alarm clock with MP3 player connectivity
and high-speed Internet wireless access.
Suites
The hotel�s four suites are scheduled to be expanded and redesigned
into three distinct living areas to provide formality and elegance to each
space. A luxurious color palette of gold, red and teal has been selected
and will be integrated into the fabrics, furnishings and carpeting used
in the spacious suites. Furniture including plush sofas, arm chairs and
chaise lounges and large dining room tables, end tables and executive desks
made out of mahogany will complement the rich color scheme. The suites�
master bathrooms are designed as an extension of the bedrooms and will
feature glass mosaic wall tiles, a water closet and walk-in shower. Each
suite will also include an additional ½ bath, two flat panel LCD
televisions and upgraded wood tiles in the foyer.
Café on the Park
Café on the Park, located on the main floor of the hotel offering
exceptional American cuisine and fine wines, will undergo a comprehensive
renovation as well that will feature a bright color palette, relocated
main entrance and new furniture and furnishings. Showcasing spectacular
views of Triangle Park�s illuminated fountains through floor-to-ceiling
windows, the upscale yet informal restaurant will be a contemporary twist
on the hotel�s Kentucky theme. Floral patterns on fabrics and carpeting
and sky blue accent colors will intermix to create a park-like ambience.
Exterior of Hotel
In an effort to enhance Lexington�s downtown skyline and emphasize
that the hotel is a local landmark, two bands of LED lighting will be installed
at the top of the building that will be illuminated at night. Using the
latest LED light technology, the color of the bands will be changed throughout
the year in conjunction with significant holidays.
Grand Ballroom and Meeting Rooms
Lexington Downtown Hotel & Conference Center is the preeminent
venue for business meetings, conventions, conferences and special events
for groups ranging from 10 to 1,000 guests. Featuring more than 16,000
square feet of event space, the hotel�s Grand Ballroom and numerous meeting
rooms will be refurbished and modernized. Custom-made chandeliers and wall
sconces and traditional wall covering will be installed in the 6,850-square
foot Grand Ballroom. Additionally, a new setting for weddings and corporate
events will be created in the space formerly occupied by Spirits Lounge.
About Lexington Downtown Hotel & Conference Center
Lexington Downtown Hotel & Conference Center is a
22-story hotel featuring 367 guestrooms centrally located in the heart
of Lexington�s financial district. The 290,362-square foot hotel includes
more than 16,000 square feet of diverse meeting and event space, Café
on the Park restaurant, fitness center, indoor swimming pool and spa and
business center. Lexington Downtown Hotel & Conference Center is just
steps from renowned Lexington Center, central Kentucky�s premier sports
and entertainment complex that includes Rupp Arena, Lexington Convention
Center and The Shops at Lexington Center. Located at 369 West Vine St.,
Lexington, KY 40507, Lexington Downtown Hotel & Conference Center is
operated by Interstate Hotels & Resorts, the nation�s largest independent
hotel management company. To make a reservation contact Hilton Reservations
Worldwide at 1.800.445.8667 or hilton.com.
About Hilton Hotels & Resorts
With more than 500 Hilton brand hotels & resorts
in 76 countries around the world Hilton continues to build on its history
as a pioneer in the industry, developing products, services and amenities
that offer today�s travelers more choice and control over their stays.
From Hilton Fitness by Precor to its world-class Hilton Worldwide Resorts
portfolio; from the Serenity Collection of in-room amenities to Hilton
Meetings, a premier global product for small meetings, Hilton�s offerings
are designed to enable guests to be at their personal best whether they
travel for business or pleasure. Hilton�s belief that Travel Should Take
You Places® celebrates a commitment to the idea that travel can and
should be transformative. Start your journey at www.hilton.com available
in English, Spanish and French.
About Madison W Properties
Madison W Properties, LLC is an investment management
firm focused on acquiring direct control-oriented real estate investments
ranging from $10-$100 million in the United States. Founded in 2008 and
based in New York City, the firm favors real estate opportunities that
are off-market or distressed, located in overlooked geographical regions
or are in out-of-favor asset categories. Since its inception the firm has
acquired a diverse portfolio of properties. For more information, visit
madisonw.com.
About Interstate Hotels & Resorts
Interstate Hotels & Resorts has ownership interests
in 57 hotels and resorts, including seven wholly owned assets. Together
with these properties, the company and its affiliates manage a total of
225 hospitality properties with more than 46,000 rooms in 37 states, the
District of Columbia, Russia, Mexico, Belgium, Canada and Ireland.
Interstate Hotels & Resorts also has contracts to manage 16 to be built
hospitality properties with approximately 4,000 rooms. For more information
about Interstate Hotels & Resorts, visit the company�s Web site:
www.ihrco.com.
About The Webb Companies
The Webb Companies was founded in 1972 by brothers Donald
and Dudley Webb. Since that time, The Webb Companies has been responsible
for over one billion dollars in new and rehabilitated commercial developments
across the United States. The company currently concentrates its efforts
on development, property management and leasing, largely in the Lexington
and Central Kentucky market. In the 1980s the Webbs were responsible for
14 projects totaling approximately 2,177,800 square feet in downtown Lexington.
The company�s mission is to maximize tenant loyalty and owner profitability
by utilizing the latest management and operational techniques available
and retaining an unparalleled staff of professionals to serve their tenants.
For more information, please visit thewebbcompanies.com. |