DALLAS (July 26, 2001) -- The historic Paramount Hotel in downtown
Dallas is nearing completion on a $4 million top-to-bottom makeover. According
to hotel general manager Bill Brown, the historic landmark will be a highly
personalized European boutique hotel when it is christened the Hotel Lawrence
in early August.
"The hotel's refurbishment touches on all areas, from guest rooms to
meeting rooms and public space. The Hotel Lawrence will be a viable
new meetings and travel option in Dallas, and its refurbishment will contribute
substantially to the preservation efforts of the greater downtown area"
Brown said.
Big D Hotel Associates, an Annapolis,
Md.-based hotel company, purchased the 118-room hotel on Oct. 18, 2000.
Magna Hospitality Group, also of Annapolis, was named to manage it.
After the sale became official, Magna president Bill Burruss announced
plans for his firm to begin an immediate refurbishment of the 10-story
landmark. The 76-year-old hotel, which over the years also has been
called the Scott, Lawrence and Bradford hotels, is located at the corner
of Jackson and Houston across the street from the Dallas Visitors Center
and near Union Station, Reunion Arena, the Dallas Convention Center and
the West End Historic District.
The hotel's restoration is scheduled for completion in early October.
It will feature 1,500-square-feet of meeting and banquet space, 108 deluxe
guest rooms and 10 luxury suites. Highlights are
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Improvements to the exterior such as new paint (a dark yellow with olive
green trim); new benches, signs and plants at the street-level entrance;
and the installation of new windows on the east and north sides of the
building.
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Enhancements to the lobby such as new paint (stained in a "rich" mahogany),
artwork, lighting, fine handmade furniture, and a reconstructed front desk
that provides better accessibility and improved services for guests.
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The Magna Hospitality Group, L.C. was
formed in 1998 and is an outgrowth of Grand Heritage Hotels. Magna's
founder and President is William F. Burruss, who was the co-founder and
President of Grand Heritage Hotels. Magna's remaining principles are Paul
E. Denyer and Robert A. Indeglia. Mr. Denyer held interest in Grand Heritage
Hotels as well as equity positions in a number of hotels managed by Grand
Heritage Hotels. Mr. Indeglia served as outside legal counsel for Grand
Heritage until it was sold to Patriot American Hospitality in 1997.
Through its strategic alliances with financial institutions,
experienced hotel equity investors and franchisers, Magna is positioned
to draw upon its considerable hospitality management experience, depth,
and financial stability to develop additional hotel properties.
The Magna Hospitality Group's business philosophy is marketing
and sales driven emphasizing long-term ownership and service that creates
positive guest experiences. Magna employs an operating philosophy whereby
the local property's management team is empowered to make "good business
sense" decisions with quick responses to events and opportunities. Extensive
local participation in community and civic activities is encouraged. Through
the implementation of a customer focused philosophy, Magna has experienced
remarkable success in a fast-changing industry.
Today, the Magna Hospitality Group owns The Hotel Lawrence,
Dallas, Texas; The Eastland Park Hotel, Portland, Maine; The Hagerstown
Ramada Inn and Conference Center, Hagerstown, Maryland; The Plantation
Holiday Inn, Plantation, Florida; and the Days Inn, Fort Pierce, Florida;
and manages Le Grand Lodge in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec. |
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The addition of a key-access-only business center and fully equipped workout
room on the second floor.
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The conversion of storage areas on the second floor to three state-of-the-art
executive board rooms and the addition of an adjoining upscale Continental
breakfast room. The gathering areas will include the latest computer,
communication and audiovisual equipment and hook-ups.
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Guest room makeovers that include new wall coverings and carpets in gold
and olive green colors; bedding, drapes, TV entertainment centers, and
computer hook-ups. Adjoining baths will feature new imported Italian
tile floors, state-of-the-art pedestal (round) sinks, mirrors, lighting,
and refinished original tubs equipped with new shower heads and body massagers.
"We're working two floors at a time from the top down," Brown added.
"Visitors to the Greater Dallas area say they are excited about what they're
seeing and anticipating good things. Their patience will be rewarded
with a lovely unique boutique hotel -- the top landmark of its kind in
Dallas and the surrounding region."
The Hotel Lawrence opened in its current building in 1925. It
was first known as the Scott Hotel and later as the Hotel Lawrence.
Kerr Cos. of Minneapolis re-opened the property as the Bradford in February,
1981. The Edward J. Safdie Group later purchased the hotel, refurbishing
the landmark in time for the 1984 Republican National Convention.
The hotel later was purchased by Dallas Hotel Associates and renamed the
Paramount. |